I had the pleasure of talking with Dave over at learningdslrvideo.com, where we discussed flat picture styles and color grading workflow. You can read the full post here: http://www.learningdslrvideo.com/richard-allen-crook/
Download the full interview (MP3) HERE.
Click to see my color grading demo.
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s I smear blue sunblock on my face (due to the destruction of the ozone) and see that Jupiter turned into a second star, I realize 2010 is coming to a close. Let’s take a look at what Hollywood said SHOULD have happened in 2010, and what is to come.
What we have to look forward to (if John Cusack happens to save you with his limousine in 2012):
Director’s viewfinders are awesome at deciding which lenses you want to use for a shot. But let’s face it…even if you’re willing to shell out $200-5000 for one, chances are they aren’t configured for the full frame sensor of the 5dMkii.
Well I don’t use a finder, so I created a chart of popular focal lengths to help me decide which lenses I want to use for particular shots. After awhile I was able to guess pretty accurately but I still like to refer to the chart now and then.
I also created a second page, with the anamorphic (2.35:1) crop applied to the frame.
I highly recommend creating your own chart for each lens and keep it handy. You can also download the PDF of my chart: 5DMKII_LENSOPTIONS
Red Giant Software has posted several tweets and Facebook posts about my color grading demo. What an honor to be recognized by such a great company…a company that makes the best color grading software on the market. My demo was made solely by Magic Bullet Looks, which is what I primarily use to grade all my projects.
Thanks to Red Giant Software for the nice words and most of all for the fantastic product!
“UNAWARE” has been chosen as a Best of Category Award Winner at the 2010 California Film Awards, their highest level of recognition!
The Key will be shown as a double feature with the feature length film, “Carried Away.” (www.carriedawaythemovie.com) Tickets are $10.00 at the door. Your ticket allows you attendance for both films!
Sunday, December 26th, 2pm-5pm231 W. Jefferson Blvd
Oak Cliff, TX 75208
Box office: 214-948-1546
I am in the process of polishing a workflow and system to shooting and editing HDR video. It will be used on an upcoming feature film venture. Here’s a sneak peak at our progress:
Shane Hurlbut offers some great preshoot tips to HDSLR shooters. Very good advice…and I thought I would add a few more points, more specific to those shooting with one camera and limited crew and time.
1) Overheating. This is an issue, as these cameras aren’t made to constantly shoot video for full days. Shane mentions that swapping two cameras halfway through the day is the best way to go, and he is right. However if you have only one camera, then make sure you turn it off every chance you get. If time does not allow for this, then switch from live mode to standard hereby turning the LCD off. My testing shows that five to ten minutes turned off is all you need and is equal to switching a camera out.
2) Logging. Using tape to label cards is a little old fashioned in my opinion…why not just rename the folders on the cf card? Even though it is great to have a media wrangler or even time to offload the cards, sometimes it isn’t possible. What I do is start new folders via the camera’s menus after completing specific script points like scenes or when switching locations. Then, pop it into a laptop and rename the folder(s) to match what you shot and the camera you shot it on. If you have time, always offload the cards for backup purposes. I do so at lunch and then at the end of the day. Makes data management in post very easy!
3) Dead Pixels. This means your camera needs repair. This is different than “hot” pixels. A dead pixel is usually an obvious colored (typically red but could also be blue or green) dot somewhere on the resulting footage. What you should do is record a couple seconds with the lens cap on, then review on a monitor or computer screen to see if you need to send in your camera. To allow for repair time, do this again at the end of your shoot too.
4) Hot Pixels. As your sensor gets hot, the pixels may start malfunctioning. Also a dirty sensor could give you this too. You will see dots similar to what you see when the sensor has dead pixels, only these dots will be white. Make sure you are periodically shooting all black for a few seconds and reviewing on a larger monitor. If you see white dots, let the camera cool down for five to ten minutes. If this doesn’t work, clean your sensor using proper cleaning methods. (never blow into your camera or use cloths to wipe your sensor!)
5) Also Check the Following Settings:
Here is Shane’s video. More info at Shane’s blog.
Hurlbut Visuals Camera Protocol from Shane Hurlbut, ASC on Vimeo.
It was again a huge pleasure to work with Stewart Cohen (DP) making the spooky “Frozen Ghost Vodka” launch commercial. The 30 second version will be played during the Halloween season this year at most major theatres around the country.
I was cinematographer and editor on the project. Also thanks to Richard Graves, Creative Director at the Levinson Group. Such a pleasure to work with great people!
Here is the long version of the spot.
Many congratulations are in order to everyone involved on the Unaware project!
The Accolade is unique; it is an awards competition, not a traditional film festival. Awards go to those filmmakers, television producers, videographers and new media creators who produce fresh, standout productions. It is a showcase for cinematic gems and unique voices.
http://www.accoladecompetition.org/
Unaware is video footage recovered from a couple spending a weekend in rural Texas who mistakenly uncover some missing evidence circa 1947 Roswell. Their ordeal unfolds before your eyes when they not only attempt to contact authorities…but also face the unwanted presence that seem to suddenly occupy the woods surrounding them.
