<p>I'm trying to decide what video of mine to submit as a visual sample for USC's film application for Film and TV production. There are pro's and cons to each one and I'm not sure which would be best fit for my application.</p>
<p>Option 1:
Comedy-Duration: 7:20, (would need to be cut down to the 5 minute time limit)
Pro's: This was made recently and is a more updated sample of my aesthetic tastes in film making. There is a taste of how I write dialogue in this video whereas the other option does not have any dialogue. It's a comedy and might stand out amongst the commonly submitted drama shorts for the application.
Cons: The message is unclear, the script was sloppily written, and the humor doesn't turn out to be as funny to an audience besides myself and close friends who share the same humor. The story isn't very strong and the message is unclear at the end and would require additional filming (I have 1 week left to submit it) but there is the chance additional filming and cutting out unnecessary scenes would not save it. Also is going to be a difficult task to cut it down to 5 minutes.</p>
<p>Option 2:
Drama-Duration: 3:58 (fits the 5 minute time limit)
Pro's: Has a good, clear, message. The message relates to society and is pretty ~deep~. It's filmed relatively well and the technical/editing skills are good. It's not for entertainment as much as it is for insight into something bigger.
Cons: Doesn't accurately represent my most recently developed skills, does not have dialogue, might not stand out since it is just another drama short. </p>
<p>I'm trying to decide what USC's SCA would like to see. I have other strong parts of my application, and as for the missing sample of how I write dialogue (it's not my strong suit though) could be made up for in the writing sample (in option 2 of the writing options). </p>
<p>Tell me what you think would fit the school best. Both of these films give a unique idea of my tastes in their own ways so I'm pretty torn.</p>
<p>Are they online? If so post links!</p>
<p>In my opinion, what stands out is being able to tell a good story. People can be taught the technical skills of filmmaking- so fancy techniques and editing are NOT the key. Showing you can tell a visual story is paramount. So whichever film shows your ability to tell a story visually would be my choice. Scriptwriting is also not as key as the visual aspect. Of course, having a strong story and good visuals can only help.<br>
As far as length: as long as you are within the time limit, leaving someone wishing there was more to see is better than having them wish that what they are watching would be over already; short, sweet and leave them wanting more.</p>
<p>I agree with what madden said. They’re definitely looking for your ability as a storyteller.</p>
<p>I’ve tried writing this four times now, and I seem to be unable to get my point across thoroughly. Blah!
Basically, what I was thinking the entire time reading this thread is that people seem to put visuals to the wayside. Speaking as a cinemtographer-director hopeful (biased, I know), being able to take a script and properly put it through the visual medium is just as important as your story itself. Saying people can learn the “technicalities” of filmmaking is just like saying someone can learn the “technicalities” of writing. You can teach someone how to use a camera, and you can teach someone proper story structure. The difference is what they do with it. Someone who has an ‘eye’ for the camera is going to produce much better work than someone does not, even if they have the same instruction. Same goes for writing. That’s why I think they go hand in hand. I guess, if you can show them you have creativity in BOTH visuals as well as your writing, then I think you’ll have a good shot. </p>
<p>I’m sorry if that gets jumbled and doesn’t make much sense. All I’m trying to say is that you should pick whichever film shows the best of both. I’m not sure of the deadline for applications, but since you’re not happy with either, I’d consider making a third. Take what you don’t like about both of the shorts you’ve listed, decide what you’d do to correct them and apply it to your new short. If not, I’d do whichever you feel makes you stand out. If you need a fresh pair of eyes to review them, I’d love to help if you’d let me. I completely understand the confidentiality aspect, though, so no pressure. </p>
<p>Good luck with your app! Hopefully I’ll see you at SCA in a few years! :)</p>