You may have seen the first three episodes (episode 4 is out Wednesday) of the show “Critics” where myself and Steve Weiss watch and talk about a bunch of eclectic clips/ films/ shorts off of Vimeo. The way we chose the last batch was by hard graft from myself, Tom Guilmette, Joe Stunzi, Joe Shaw and many others (Steve found one clip I think and we know which one that is!)
We are going to be recording our next bunch of episodes in about 4 weeks or so and would love to get more suggestions of things you would like us to review. Please don’t just send the most perfect amazing films, yes send those in too, but we want eclectic as much as we want amazing. Something that promotes discussion. Perfect is great and a show that just shows one perfect film after another would be great but “Critics” is not that show. We want to see interesting, experimental stuff that can polarise people or just promote a discussion. We want to see stuff you think needs to reach a wide audience. Oh, and Stuff that is going to make Steve cry like the girl that he is 
Kidding, but we really want stuff that make us think, make us discuss, basically make an interesting show for us and you!
There are a number of more episodes of the current batch to air so stuff you send in may already be coming up. Sure, send me links to something you have done but don’t send too many as the more you send in of your own work the harder it will be to wade through them all, so send in something you are most proud of and PLEASE send in work from others that grabbed you from people who are too modest to submit their own. But remember if everything is like “A Thousand Words” then Steve and I will just be going: “That was awesome, what about you Phil?”,”Steve…I thought it was awesome”. Yes the weird foot fetish one was an odd choice but it was put in (by Steve) as it was silly and made for an entertaining segment, but I think we don’t want to see any more clips like that thanks!! We want to make the show entertaining to watch and much as we want to show interesting clips. If it was two guys in suits going “here is the next film etc” then you what is the point!?
The Show is not about gear, it’s about content. Interesting, eyebrow raising, contentious, fascinating, unique, amazing, weird, inspiring content. So if there is something very interesting shot on an iphone we don’t care that it isn’t shot on a RED or A 5dmkII or a Phantom. Content is king as we always say.
PLEASE make sure you write something about what it is you are “nominating”, why, if you made it, etc…
Thanks!
Oh, and make sure the video from vimeo can be added to collections as if it can’t then we can’t put it in our folder. We want to use Exposure Room stuff too but I don’t think the setup we have can take both sites just yet. So Vimeo please and NOT youtube!
Saman Keshavarz
December 31, 2009 at 07:12Luv Deluxe – Made Vimeo’s Top 25 of 2009
http://www.vimeo.com/6540668
Stephen Babigian
December 9, 2009 at 15:36http://vimeo.com/5697381
Cease to Beat
A 48 hour film project submission in Providence, RI USA.
I’d love to get your take on the film Philip. I was producer, sound, music.
Ta very much!
-steve
Chris
October 7, 2009 at 12:46I know you want more than just amazing footage, but I saw this and immediately thought of how you loves to shoot faces and how you might enjoy this. There are a number of shots in this video that are simply breathtaking. The playback speed is perfect for this story. Not sure of many of the details on the type of camera or rig used, but apparently several other photographers including Zack Arias recommended watching it.
http://vimeo.com/6917566
Bill Strehl
October 13, 2009 at 23:24Thanks for finding this! From what I can tell the shot this with an HVX200.
Salomon Ligthelm
October 6, 2009 at 15:48http://www.vimeo.com/4042207
thought you guys might like this
Nino Leitner
October 4, 2009 at 09:42Just stumbled upon a new short some friends of mine shot a few weeks ago … I think the idea is great, and the execution is just brilliant … please take some minutes to watch it, I’m sure you’ll agree – it would be a great addition to CRITICS:
It’s called “THE LIGHT”:
http://vimeo.com/6753696
Bill Strehl
October 2, 2009 at 16:32Almost forgot this one for the Doritos :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ohfF-V_vbI
pbloom
October 3, 2009 at 11:30it needs to be on Vimeo unfortunately.
Bill Strehl
October 3, 2009 at 18:48Found it on vimeo if the idea interests you:
http://www.vimeo.com/4561698
Bill Strehl
October 2, 2009 at 15:16I would like to suggest a slightly different idea. Instead of reviewing random videos, please consider reviewing videos submitted for the Dorito “Crash the Super Bowl Contest”. I just happened to stumble upon it and found there were a few good ones and many bad ones. You can also search vimeo and find submissions by camera type. For instance, the one I found shot with a Red was not in the same league as last years winner, and supports your ongoing comment about technique and content.
The official website is: http://www.crashthesuperbowl.com
The Herbert Brothers one this year and they talk about their effort and show their ad in this video:
http://vimeo.com/6646967
They created this one 3 years ago: http://vimeo.com/129205
My favorite is: http://vimeo.com/6840611
It combines Steve’s beginning, middle, and end plus humor, fantasy, T&A
I think this one starts off great but finishes a little weak:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ip1jbGCulBo
Funny and campy: http://vimeo.com/2355150
And since you talked about using high speed cameras, here is one that has a good kernel of an idea but needs to be fleshed out:
http://vimeo.com/3580697
Here is the one shot with a Red:
http://vimeo.com/2977196
You can come to your own conclusion in comparing to this one on a Red:
http://vimeo.com/2828094
Having an EX1 and a 5D MkII: http://vimeo.com/4054816 I think has a weaker story then the 3 following shot with a Canon HV.
Now compare it to this one shot with an HV20:
http://vimeo.com/4401684
Or even this one with an HV20 that I think starts strong but…:
http://vimeo.com/2265246
Or this HV20 one:
http://vimeo.com/4603086
Maybe you could conclude the Webisode with ideas or suggestions for people entering this year.
Thanks for your consideration!
Michael Olsen
October 2, 2009 at 14:44Hey Philip,
Wanted to drop this by…didn’t know if you saw it, but I was really impressed. It’s a whole different way of looking at the traditional “news” footage.
http://vimeo.com/6853452
rudy
October 2, 2009 at 04:53OK here’s my chance at becoming famous. Pick me pick me!
It’s a 90 second short film, it’s funny and here’s why you should have it on the show: It was filmed entirely within a 30 MINUTE window.
So hopefully a good example of what can be done with really tight time constraint (tight deadlines and budgets are a commercial reality, so good practice for the real world).
This was fun to make and challenging given that these guys are not actors.
http://vimeo.com/6798043
George
October 1, 2009 at 15:39Well if you are into motorcycle trackday videos you can have a look at my video.Thanks. http://www.vimeo.com/4334692
Dave Aldrich
October 1, 2009 at 05:26Hi Phil – First would be my use of the GH1 on my hang glider http://vimeo.com/6662741 Interesting example of dslr “convergence” as I was able to take beautiful HD video as well and high resolution stills.
Also this clever short about little creatures that bring color to black & white Paris http://vimeo.com/4870899 Some very well done animation and coloring effects.
Rakan
September 30, 2009 at 17:04Hey Phil,
I have two suggestions for ya:
First is my friend’s newest music video, and I think his use of lighting and color are fantastic and very noteworthy. He proves that in conjunction with nice equipment, you need to work with other aspects of film.
http://vimeo.com/5112275
The second is my production company’s, and I think is noteworthy because even though it looks great and has the basics down, it definitely boasts an interesting concept. Very interpretive; it’s interesting to see how different people perceive its meaning.
http://www.vimeo.com/6104586
Jeff Dunant
September 30, 2009 at 01:01I don’t mean to self promote, but here it goes anyway…
I’m a high school student and through a series of events that still have my head spinning, I was able to secure a Red One for a weekend and shoot a project that I have had cooking for several months.
The movie is very abstract and makes you think (At least, that was my intention!). So I feel like it fits your criteria. Also note that my mom cried, so Steve Weiss may follow, I don’t know… plus, it was my mom, so that doesn’t even really count…
Anyways! Here is the link…
http://www.vimeo.com/6569237
Andrew Howe
September 29, 2009 at 23:23Almost a shopping list but, as you are in the same Vimeo groups as me (you even moderate 2 of them), I am hoping there is at least one you might have missed or have forgotten about. Given what you and Steve have been experimenting with recently, most of these fall into the category of taken with compacts/phones or time-lapse
Sunday Morning http://vimeo.com/6114426
Music Video Shot on iPhone http://vimeo.com/5393865
The Walk from Withypool to Tarr Steps – Exmoor http://vimeo.com/6486599
Evolution http://vimeo.com/6636389
Tilt Shift http://vimeo.com/5893159
One minute Apple pie http://vimeo.com/6454513
This ones for the awww factor
Friday I’m in Love http://vimeo.com/5318742
Love this for the vibe but don’t know whether commercials are allowed
Model Campus http://vimeo.com/6690556
Rob Imbs
September 29, 2009 at 20:30Hey Phil, I’d like to see what you and Steve think of this short film titled “Drop the Gun”. It’s a comedy.
http://vimeo.com/5469207
Michael Moller
September 29, 2009 at 19:51I have just seen http://www.vimeo.com/6429328 / One Minute Soundsculpture and I’m still sitting with a happy smile on my face. I simply cannot tell what it is, that make me feeling happy by this film – I could never make it myself. Please take a look at it and judge for yourself
Thank you for so many hours looking happily on your film. I do learn a lot from them, simply by looking. Furthermore you chose music which I like very much. Beethovens 7. has become one of my favorites since I heard it on your film as has the music in windsorwaltz.
Michael M
Denmark
Rolf Jahn
September 29, 2009 at 19:01This is nicely done:
http://www.vimeo.com/4870899
Besides Reulf is pronounced like my german prename Rolf.
I like your critics very much.
Also if you show videos, which could be enhanced and you talk about hints, how to achieve this. From there,
one can learn much.
Thanx
andré Gaspar
September 29, 2009 at 16:41Or this one : http://vimeo.com/6779781
andré Gaspar
September 29, 2009 at 13:05i´d like to suggest another one:
trouble: http://vimeo.com/6812492
remco
September 29, 2009 at 12:27Hi there Philip and Steve,
First of all, love the webisodes. Keep it coming, cant wait for the fourth.
Sorry to bother you with my own videostuff, but I really like to know what you think of it.
I went with 2 friends to the beach (Holland) for a photoshooting day. I have a Nikon D90 since some time and i wanted to test it out, so i put all my lenses on it and just shot the whole day. Later i editted with After effects. Hey Steve how do you like the beginning, middle and the end. haha
It’s my first real test with the video of the D90. Hope you enjoy it although its a bit too long, so forget the intro.
see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPsh9Z1sALM
remco
Olle Lindell
September 29, 2009 at 09:03WHAT’S IN THE BOX
http://www.vimeo.com/5422343
Simply because this is the coolest home-made shit I’ve seen on the net. In development though…
/ Olle
Shmuel Hoffman
September 28, 2009 at 21:16GREETINGS FROM JERUSALEM AND TRIBUTE TO MY GREAT TEACHER.
SHOT ON A PANASONIC LX3: NY’s People
http://vimeo.com/6803683
ZERO POINT THREE PERCENT
http://www.vimeo.com/2714704
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU TAUGHT ME SO FAR.
Chris Rovent
September 28, 2009 at 20:59http://www.vimeo.com/6594127
Today’s job market allegory
Andy Gallacher
September 28, 2009 at 20:53A self authored piece called ’skateboarding for jesus’ shot and edited in a day. http://www.vimeo.com/6798880
Christopher Gibbs
September 28, 2009 at 18:38http://www.vimeo.com/6581009 This one has to be *listened to carefully* to be appreciated – it’ll scare the crap out of you!
Andy Gallacher
September 28, 2009 at 18:31How about a news feature shot and edited in a few hours and about religion. Its called Skateboarding For Jesus. http://www.vimeo.com/6798880
mike kobal
September 28, 2009 at 14:06hey philip,
http://www.vimeo.com/6782690
my funniest one, it is steve weiss safe, i e no violence and very, very pg, any kind of criticism is welcome (and please ask steve to wear a dark shirt to avoid reflecting in the monitor)
cheers,
mike
Nick Clausen
September 28, 2009 at 13:38Hi Philip,
How about doing a segment on resume reels? I’m always interested in what others have for a video demo. Most companies are requiring an online demo with any application. I’ll throw mine in the hat: http://vimeo.com/4776010
Thanks,
Nick
pbloom
September 28, 2009 at 14:55not sure Resumes will work Nick, not sure trailers really work either! But thanks!
Jordan Barrett
September 28, 2009 at 13:35Hey Phil,
Here’s a short film i made earlier this year called ‘Ash Wednesday’ http://www.vimeo.com/4600442 password:unitednations
Set in Bosnia in 1992 it follows 2 United Nations aid workers, who on the outbreak of the Bosnian War travel across the difficult terrain. That is until they stumble upon a group of Serbian rebels, hellbent on war and destruction.
It would be great to get your thoughts on it.
Thanks,
Jordan Barrett
jordanbarrettfilm@gmail.com
Lauchlan Ough
September 28, 2009 at 12:41Hey Phil, I’d like to put forward this video. It’s a really inspiring love story around a cancer patient.
http://vimeo.com/4764102
Thanks!
Thomas
September 28, 2009 at 09:19http://vimeo.com/3568247
This one is short and very good if you analyse what really goes on in his mind.
Nino
September 28, 2009 at 06:21Hey Philip,
I’d like to suggest my documentary “Every Step You Take” which deals the omnipresent video surveillance in the UK.
The film itself is unfortunately 65 minutes long, but I edited a very insightful trailer which covers some of the main topics:
http://vimeo.com/644875
It was my diploma film project in film school, but I started it during my exchange semester in Southampton, England. It was just something I HAD to do – when I came to the UK, I was just struck by the sheer amount of video surveillance cameras on every corner of every street, and I asked myself: why? Why so many? What is it good for? Is it effective? Etc.
So I started researching, reading many books, doing lots of interviews – and thereby, step by step, created this film. After I returned to Austria I was still feeling that there was more to this than I had already found out, so I went back to England in 2006 for only a week or so, to do some of the most revealing interviews in the film, and made a 65-minute diploma documentary as my final project. I didn’t have any funding support or the like, everybody worked for free. The film was shot on my Panasonic DVX100A, the good ol’ days
I even wrote my thesis about video surveillance in Britain.
Spent most of 2007 and some months of 2008 flying around the world to film festivals where I was invited with this documentary. It was really a surprise that there was so much interest in the topic – but the continuous loss of privacy is something that is becoming more and more relevant in these days, I guess.
It was really a lot of work and by far the biggest I’ve ever done. I’m proud of it, but I unfortunately didn’t manage to get it on British TV, which was my ultimate goal, I know there are maybe too many talking heads and 65 minutes is an odd length for a documentary, but as everybody kept saying ‘This should be on TV!!’, I was trying to reach that goal.
I have a blog at http://www.everystepyoutake.org where you can find lots of reviews, news and other related stuff to the film. Of course it’s also possible to order the DVD there. Philip, if you’re interested, I could send you a preview DVD right away!
Scott Karlins
September 28, 2009 at 01:42Trent, Good find! That was a great story.
Nate Clarke
September 28, 2009 at 01:26I did this project with a group of friends as an extra-curricular activity. We scraped together whatever gear we could get our hands on.
As you can see from the comments, this observational documentary has caused a little bit of a stir (which curiously I did not anticipate). The interesting thing is that for the most part, the two sides of the “argument” fall along continental lines (North Americans thinking it’s great, Europeans thinking it’s everything that is wrong with the States.)
http://vimeo.com/5306782
Matias Rispau
September 27, 2009 at 23:54Hi phil.
Im Matias Rispau, i allways check your blog for news every day.
I got this short film called “hidden in the shadows” that maybe you guys will like to check out. It take like 11 minutes, i know it maybe to long for the show but if you can can give a look it will be an honor for me to be commented. Im from argentina (so my english it´s not perfect) and indie films are very low supported here. As i say before it will be an honor for us if steve and you can check out our film.
here is: http://vimeo.com/6783789
Bye, Matias.
Paul Frederick
September 27, 2009 at 23:10http://www.vimeo.com/6192046
I mentioned to you in another topic but it’s a fun poke at Steve’s aversion to “violent” films! This is a short film I did with the kids this summer. Epic war action with water balloons!
enekez
September 27, 2009 at 22:41Hi Phil,
Take a look to this film from a friend and myself. This is part of a longer project that we are preparing, with more than 100 locations and shooted during 3 weeks with an old 16mm bolex.
http://www.vimeo.com/6785631
thank you!!!
Yacine Helali
September 27, 2009 at 21:24Hi Philip,
I’d like to share this with you: http://vimeo.com/5663269
Maybe it can make it to the critics show…
Many thanks again for the work you’re doing!
Sunny
September 27, 2009 at 21:20Hey Phillip,
Here’s my lynch-esque take on a birthday video:
http://vimeo.com/6622586
Vajk
September 27, 2009 at 19:54http://www.vimeo.com/5057869
I really like this one, but I know Steve would hate it. It has no story. No beginning, middle or end. I like it because of the great filmic shots and that they guy just used a little pocket camera.
pbloom
September 28, 2009 at 07:29don’t worry about him!!
jmtari
September 27, 2009 at 19:42Hi Phil,
here is the link of a short I’ve made in France. Hope you’ll like it.
http://vimeo.com/6780961
Cheers
rockmonkey
September 27, 2009 at 19:09I’m an artist and climber who works for The North Face. It’s been fun doing “video dispatches” for our remote expeditions as episodic shorts sent from the field with satellite modems direct Vimeo.
These are edited frenetically because everything is run off solar and weather is an issue. The compressed post-production in hard conditions is kinda its own art-form…
This is the last video of a series posted from a 13,000ft ridge-top of Malaysia highest point: http://www.vimeo.com/4290596
thanks for your consideration, all your great resources and creative posts!!!
Jose Prada
September 27, 2009 at 18:31http://vimeo.com/6577709
This is the first serious project we make. We wrote it, directed edited, graded and composed the music. It was all shot with a Panasonic gs-500. Hope you like it.
tom @ timescapes
September 27, 2009 at 18:15LUV DELUXE for sure. Saman Keshavarz.
http://www.vimeo.com/6540668
Chris Visser
September 27, 2009 at 17:59Here are a couple good ones:
http://vimeo.com/6428069
http://vimeo.com/6565177
http://vimeo.com/6335725
Josua
September 27, 2009 at 17:51here is the link: http://vimeo.com/6523555
Josua
September 27, 2009 at 17:50This is may be interestin: a little East-German short.
Shot from two 16 year old German guys with the Canon 500d (Rebel T1i).
andré Gaspar
September 27, 2009 at 17:12Check this out: http://vimeo.com/6757434
Caleb Pike
September 27, 2009 at 16:44I would love to see more solutions to what you think could change.
Example:
STEVE:
“I think this that and the other things could be better”
PHIL:
“Yes I agree. If you applied this technique and that angle, maybe add this feeling using this trick”
Telling us what is wrong or just ok is one thing. But I would love if you took it to the next level and shared (in detail) how you would do it dipping into your experience and expertise so we the viewer can walk away and try it ourselves.
Thanks!!!
Daniil Vyshemirskyi
September 27, 2009 at 16:00It would be great if you could review some of the BLOOMFEST movies, like my http://vimeo.com/3688520
Sean Duran
September 27, 2009 at 15:35Hey Philip,
We have a site called http://WeHeartShortFilms.com
It’s not officially launched yet, and not all the entries are from Vimeo, but many of them are. Anyone can submit a short, but we only approve the absolute best. When we launch the site, it will be updated daily with lots of new ones, as well!
Hope it helps
Andres
September 27, 2009 at 14:45http://www.vimeo.com/1907791
here is the teaser trailer of a short film shot on Z1+old letus, hi8, svhs…
cheers
and if you decide to put the clip I (dp) can ask the Director to upload a 720 no interlaced clip.
cheers
cinemados.com
Michael Buffa
September 27, 2009 at 14:06Hey Philip, here are a couple of videos that should provoke some interesting discussion.
http://www.vimeo.com/5631524
http://www.vimeo.com/5966365
Thanks,
Michael
Benji Smith
September 27, 2009 at 14:03These are very well done documentaries shot on the D90 of all things. I was seriously impressed by the quality.
http://www.vimeo.com/3312951
Jeff N
September 27, 2009 at 13:44Here’s a trailer for a documentary I shot with the Canon XH-A1. This is in release and has been a finalist at several festivals… http://www.vimeo.com/2299266
Amazing that this little camera could be used for a docu which has gone viral and sold a huge amount, just via the web…
Jason Hawkins
September 27, 2009 at 13:42http://vimeo.com/669427
Superhero (3m 25s)
This is a short film which was made as part of a 24hr film competition. Later it was selected to play in the Short Film Competition at the Orlando Music Festival. We didn’t win anything.
Afterwards we were told by the event organizer that there was no way we could have won, because there’s no way he’d “give an award to a butt fuck joke” (his words).
I’d be interested to see what you guys think of it. If you find it offensive or funny. Cleverly written or inane.
Anyway, thanks.
Don
September 27, 2009 at 13:34You guys might want to review this one:
http://vimeo.com/5087054
-Don
James Ballard
September 27, 2009 at 13:14…and I forgot to put the link with that….
http://vimeo.com/channels/61042
Walter
September 27, 2009 at 13:12I coudn’t find an e-mail adress to send my suggestion, so i just post it here… hope that’s ok.
http://www.vimeo.com/6722999
James Ballard
September 27, 2009 at 13:12Hey Philip,
We’re in the process of making a short film at the moment and I thought instead of putting up just the finished product, I’d post a few ‘making of’s as well. This is ‘part 1′ and if you check back within the next few days ‘part 2′ may well be up. Peruse at your leisure, may be suitable for ‘Critics’!
Cheers, James.
Slava Kouznetsov
September 27, 2009 at 12:57Hi Philip,
here is a link.
http://www.vimeo.com/6741213
It’s not my video but I think it would be good for
“Critics”
Nel
September 27, 2009 at 12:47These are a few clips I like.
1) Watermelon carving
http://vimeo.com/5646785
2) Second largest aquarium in the world
http://vimeo.com/5606758
3) My own tilt-shift shot at Southbank
http://vimeo.com/5893159
I hope you guys like any of them enough to review it.
Matt White
September 27, 2009 at 12:19Here is a video for critics. http://www.vimeo.com/5638986
Steve said it was “charming.”
It is the a trailer for my project.
Thanks
julian davies
September 27, 2009 at 12:00I am a new filmer with DSLRs really and just got the GH1 a while ago. However I am deeply into it all now and Philip you have been my inspiration. This summer I made a film in Norway called Faces Of Norway
http://vimeo.com/5929436
It is made up of people I know and those I did not! It was inspired by Sophia’s People of course and though in the few weeks since I made it I feel I have improved alot …I think the film is worth reviewing!! Steve has seen it and liked it! Thanks, Julian
Know something that would be great for “Critics”? : Shot On HD
September 27, 2009 at 11:59[...] Read this article: Know something that would be great for “Critics”? [...]
Jessy
September 27, 2009 at 11:45Here is my submission : http://vimeo.com/6389482 – 96Km in 4 Minutes and 7 Seconds
Cheers
Jean-François Després
September 27, 2009 at 11:42Hi Phil,
I’d like to submit this Video for your consideration:
http://www.vimeo.com/6709810
Thanks for your time
Congrats for your work!…
Jean-François Després
PS: When will you and Den launch “The F-Stop Academy” for us poor souls that don’t have the time or means to attend your Workshops and Master Classes?
Greg
September 27, 2009 at 11:39A very short shot with a 7D: http://vimeo.com/6501875
Looks like a luxury ad yet souds like a documentary.
Hannes
September 27, 2009 at 11:14Hey Phil,
I’d like to suggest 2 videos. One is from myself. The other is one I’ve found on vimeo.
First – mine. It’s a teaser for my second short “Gegensprechanlage” (written/directed/filmed/edited by me (and friends) Really a product of the whole dv-rebel/hv20.com/vimeo/bloom-web-world …
)
Link:
http://vimeo.com/6346804
The other one: A Bathtub IV. I really did not like all those tilt-shift-videos until I saw this. Short, creative and funny.
Link:
http://vimeo.com/3156959
Best regards
Hannes
Jalaludin
September 27, 2009 at 10:21You think my palm would make it?
Trent Whittington
September 27, 2009 at 10:12I found this interesting http://www.vimeo.com/6540668