The Long Telegram

I’m sitting on a 700 gigabyte pile of video in a cafe in Sofia, Bulgaria. It needs to be parsed out into the finished products of six videos for my portfolio. Most are already done (at least presentable), but I’m hoping to do some self-workshopping on the post-production process. The only way to get better is through inspiration. Here it is with a slightly chilly theme, because it’s no longer 120 degrees where I am:

Dear Japan – Matthew Brown

As the act of shooting and editing video becomes more natural for me, it’s become apparent that the next horizon is merely the bounds of my own creativity and time. I know it’s cliche, but once you know the rules, it’s all about how you break them. I’m hoping to become more adventurous with each piece I stretch myself to do. This montage from Japan is a great example of what happens when you stretch yourself. The asynchronicity, the shifting of time and the layers are right in line with the direction that I hope to head. Simply stunning.

Winters of My Life – Jonathan Burhop

This video from documentary filmmaker Jonathan Burhop is proof positive that video stories need central characters, compelling personalities and emotional narratives. It’s rare that the interview shot is the strongest in any video. Here, it is. Also bonus points for killer sound. That guy’s voice rings in your head.

INDIA LEH/LIKIR – warmeye

Another great montage. This one really shines toward the end with the time-shifting in the prayer scenes.