Posts Tagged cheap/DIY
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.
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.
10 Ways to Get Cheap/Free Labor for Your Shoot Without Being a Mooch
Posted by David in Commentary, Post, Production on August 18th, 2009
I love Craigslist. From a filmmaker’s standpoint it’s a great place to find people, buy and sell gear, and keep yourself in the know about local productions. However, being a free service it’s become overrun with moochers looking for free labor, skilled crew positions and even their gear. This has begun spilling over into the larger industry job boards (such as Mandy.com) and is simply put poisoning the well of jobs for recent graduates and low-level professionals. Read the rest of this entry »
cheap/DIY, indie, jobs, Production, shortfilms
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