Archive for June, 2009
Ultimate Cleaning Power!!!
Posted by Kim in Production on June 28th, 2009
Our newest short, made for the 48 Hour Film Project (New York).
With a crew of two (David and Kim), new gear, and a new editing system (to accommodate the new gear) we chugged through a weekend of filming.
We first drew Musical or Western and didn’t really have the cast, props, crew, song writing ability for either of those, so we re-drew and got Martial Arts or Stoner film. Another really difficult/weird choice!
We came up with a really goofy Martial Arts film, and had fun making it. Not our most polished piece, but a good time was had by all.
Kyle Walters (Kyle Walters) is a lazy, watchin’ tv kinda guy. Benjamin Grimes (Alan MacDougall) has an epic past of trial and triumph in the world of Martial Arts. Today, Grimes uses his training and concentration from his years in the martial arts as a Professional Organizer, and pays a visit to Kyle’s messy apartment.
Also starring Brian Morvant (Bringing up Bobby) and Vince Ortega (Mamma Mia! on Broadway).
Elements:
Character: Benjamin Grimes, Professional Organizer
Prop: Set of keys
Line: “You’re not going to believe what I just heard”
The Most Sweet Video Monitor Solution Ever:
Posted by David in Production on June 22nd, 2009
Al Franken predicting the future of gear.
I just came across a post in a forum (cinema5d.com – guess what I am shopping for?) and found a crazy, effective, and hilarious use for what could only be called a ‘novelty technology.’ That’s right, VR-goggles are being used for camera monitors! Now I can walk around with my Fig Rig, with the mic and video light mounted on it, and some Geordi LaForge apparatus giving me stereoscopic 720×480p displays simulating a 62″ screen! I think the only way to get funnier looks is if I go to shoots wearing a silver jumpsuit and green facepaint.
This model offers a fully adaptable VGA connection, but what I would like to see is an HDMI model that offers audio as well. The camera I am currently looking at (Canon EOS 5D Mark 2) lacks some style for audio out, and solving my monitor / audio monitor problems while re-enacting the Lawnmower Man absolutely makes any brick walls I blindly crash into totally worthwhile.
Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Camera-Men!
Below, take a look at this demonstration of the VR920 goggles in action on a steadicam and on a trusty steering wheel Fig Rig. With an MSRP of $399, they’re much cheaper than many low-end monitors. While they lack most of the same pro calibration features, this is a device that changes your entire perspective on shooting.
Current Firmware is having problems outputting enough of a signal to support the HDMI, but the AV Out allows for I believe either audio OR video. In order to look like proper, self-contained fools, we’ll need both! Anyway, I can’t wait to get back out in the field with all this craziness. I feel like I would add to the flavor of New York.
Extended Deadline for Holiday Scrapbook!
Not included in DVD set
At the request of some filmmakers, we have allotted more time to receive screeners. It would only be fair to keep the window open to all, so we have extended the deadline to July 31st, from June 30th. We hope this leaves enough time to get their submissions prepped and sent to us! Thank you all so much for lending your voices to this awesome collection, and we look forward to putting out a great product that everyone can appreciate this holiday season!
Click here for more information on submitting your film!
Newfangled Post Production Demo Reel
My previous reel was geared more toward the Pixar Standard for demo reels. I think it ends up being slightly less impressive to those who want a song and glitz. I actually think the Pixar way is more practical for showing you can edit, rather than showing you can edit a demo reel with clips to short to gather what the technique was. I tried to find a mid ground with slightly longer clips so you get the idea, and it fits to the music.
Some new animations, new clips from shorts, and a whole bunch more examples of color correction.
Ta Da!
In Which a Rare and Wonderous Lamp is Sought
Posted by David in Production on June 16th, 2009
Legends tell of a magical lamp with amazing properties such that it mimics the rays of the very Sun. This lamp fits securely in the confines of the standard set of worklights, normally known for their jaundiced yet powerful deep yellow glow.
The magic lamp.
Under normal circumstances, the light emitted from a worklight is difficult to work with, and results in monochromatic and blown-out actors. However, with the magical daylight colored bulb, a majestic blue beam issues forth and all shots are glorious, rich and wonderful.
I have been looking everywhere for these bulbs. I have called a dozen online suppliers, and nobody carries halogens in anything other than 2700K. I even paid a visit to suppliers at LightFair to ask around for these specific temperature of lamps, and none were to be had.
Obviously they exist, as there is a picture of one inches to the left of these words. Maybe someday I will find my magic lamp, but until then I just have to correct around the worklights with full blue gels.
In Which Fun Is Had With Photoshop:
Fun with Photoshop 1: Boiling Sky
Fun with Photoshop 2: R3House
In my spare time, I follow Photoshop tutorials. I’m not very good, but I love quality typography and logo design. Saul Bass is my hero.
In Which Joomla is Replaced by Wordpress…
Freed by a new backend system, our heroes begin to post more frequently on a variety of topics such as independent film production, post-production, distribution and marketing to an online community. Hope you enjoy what we have to say!
‘Arrow’ Rules
Posted by David in Commentary on June 16th, 2009
Since Danny Jelinek has posted high-quality versions of his show for Channel101:LA on Youtube, I am pleased to be able to post it here. It’s one of the better creations for the format in some time. It’s fun to watch, awesomely trippy, and has a great soundtrack. If you like them, make sure to support Danny by rating, subscribing, and letting him know!
Channel101, shortfilms
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