watch Critique my 2-minute promotional piece for a holiday cottage

Hello,

Just thought I'd post the video I've completed. I created both the animation part and all the footage using a borrowed sony DV camera. I also used after effects to stablise the film and a lot of colour correction.

I had a friend do the voice over for the narration.

Would love to know what you people think. (it's also in HD) http://www.youtube.com/embed/x_O72dKi27M?hd=1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=http://www.youtube.com/embed/x_O72dKi27M?hd=1


Thank you.

Generally, I like it. There are some things I would change, though.

At the beginning with the still photos... I'd put some sort of transitions between these. You used hard cuts. In a project like this, you're trying to sell a dream-like quality, and the hard edits here are a little jarring. Just let it flow... the rest of the piece does.

When I did broadcast news, we had a saying that went "Say and See", meaning if you say it, your image should back up your words. There's a few seconds lag between "Lovely golden beaches" and when we actually see the beach. When you say "Dinosaur" I see ducks. I'd also reverse some of the flower shots with the walking shots through the park. Keep it interesting, but don't overwhelm.

Overall, I think the whole thing's OK. I don't think the layman would find any problem with it. The voiceover is pleasant, and I like the butterfly at the beginning. If you were to do it again, I would suggest less panning as it doesn't give the viewer enough time to take in what you're showing.

Thanks a lot for your feedback, I agree with all your points.

It's the first time I've ever filmed, but I have been a hobbiest photographer so I think that helped somewhat.

The interior shots were the last bits I did (I took the photos) however I used a quick transition because I saw a video promo on YouTube and they done that on some of their shots so I just copied them but I agree it's a bit out of place.

I also agree about the narration. There's one particular part which I had to just put up with (the narration talks about cent or beach with shops etc) however the footage I had the colour and lighting was very poor and didn't want to include it.

The piece is free for the client. How much do you think I should charge for something similar to this if I were to produce a similar one again?

I realise prices won't translate well over different conversions, but I'd like to know a very rough ballpark figure.

Regards,

Tom.