I’ve seen a lot of web videos, some are incredible and some not so great. I've compiled a list of my Top 10 Favorite Videos that caught my attention for one reason or another. All of these videos have fabulous story telling and I could watch each one over and over. This is a group of very talented filmmakers that deserve recognition! I say it over and over, give me a good story that actually means something. Young filmmakers, watch these videos and you'll learn a thing or two as to what makes an interesting story! Enjoy!
“A Thousand Words” by Ted Chung
I absolutely love this video. What a great narrative video! The cinematography, screen direction, lighting and sound design were incredible! I just love the idea behind this short film, everyday we have so many opportunities to connect. What if you took just one?
“Vicky and Sam” by Nuno Rocha
This is an exceptional short film! Nuno Rocha hit every key point in cultivating this masterpiece. There was so much emotion created in just 13:39 minutes. Unexpected twists allowed for a great depth of drama. The cast, acting, writing, screen direction, sound movement, music and editing were all on point. This is no doubt that this is one of the best short films anywhere! Thank you Nuno, you’re a true talent. Note: To watch the full length "Vicky and Sam" short film, go to http://www.vimeo.com/16044812 and enter the password: loveyou. Enjoy!
“Intercanvi” by Alex Amengual
I love this short film. It’s truly a moving piece. The acting was impeccable, I felt the emotion the old man created. The framing in this film was stupendous and the screen direction was great. The editing and time compression were incredible as well. Kudos to Alex and his vision. The cinematography, sound design and music make it one of my favorites!
“City of Lakes” by Kevin Shahinian
My friend Kevin Shahinian took us on a cinematic journey with this concept film. This film uses HDLRs as an Indie approach to a Hollywood look. The cinematography is remarkable! It’s the creative camera play with poetic framing, dramatic aerial shots and steadicam that gives it that touch of Hollywood glamour.
“16 Moments” by William Hoffman
Will Hoffman created an amazing short experimental film. This is an extraordinary concept that was executed perfectly. Will captured so many life moments that we can all relate to. It strips away the middleman of a character and allows you to see moments and reflect on your own life directly. Will is a great filmmaker!
“Gay=Sin” by Matthew Brown
This is such a thought provoking short film and I wish more filmmakers made videos like this today. Matthew’s editing is brilliant as he pairs conflicting audio with video to create a message that is tactful, moving and open to interpretation.
“A Short Love story in Stop Motion” by Carlos Lascano
This combination of different animation styles in one piece is a unique and effective way to tell a love story. It’s simple and the colors give it an aged style that I like. I love the music selection, it really set the mood.
“Mike's” by Ted Chung
Ted Chung is one of my favorite filmmakers on the web. This is my favorite piece from him. In such a short piece, so much is told. The camera movement is amazing! Very few words are spoken in this short piece but the lighting and sound help convey the emotion. Ted is a great director because he gets his actors to be so expressive. Ted has a Hollywood career if he wants it!
Dil Jaanta Hai (The Heart Knows) by Kevin Shahanian
This is such a great video! The actors in this video are actually the bride and groom themselves and this was played as a surprise to the guests at their wedding! It’s amazing! It’s so much like a movie that when it ends I’m ready for the story to begin! There is so much attention to detail! The lighting, cinematography, acting, choreography, sounds and overall production value is stupendous! Great work Kevin!
“SS” Trailer by Ronan Jorah
This trailer is truly a piece of art. Would you believe it was all made it Ronan’s basement? Ronan made this WW2 picture with virtually no money and all skill. When I first saw this I thought some of it came from actual archival footage, mixed with some live action shots. Ronan explained that he took Hi-Res photographs when he visited Auschwitz and shot footage here in Chicago. He composited the people against the Auschwitz background with motion tracking. The scene where you see the prisoner running toward the camera was actually shot on a baseball diamond, brilliant! Ronan keyed in the runner and the sand floor into the photograph. That’s very clever and very difficult to do! I also love how he mixed in the film scratches to give it the archival 16mm feel! What a fabulous piece Ronan, well done!
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