President Adams Wants You To Calm Down #patience
President John Quincy Adams, son of founding father, and President John Adams, was quoted saying "Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish." This has particular pertinence for me as a writer, and artist (or, so I consider myself).
As I was told when I was younger, and find to be truer and truer as time goes on, patience for an artist is as necessary as a keen eye, ear, or sense of creativity and imagination. Often times while penning screenplays, my imagination will run much faster than I can get my ideas on paper (or computer), to which I then frustratingly forget crucial information, dialogue, etc. When I am photographing landscapes, I sometimes get so rushed to capture what I feel is a fleeting moment that will forever escape my grasp, I miss setting up a truly wonderful shot, and end up with a lack-luster product.
Not taking time to set up a correct frame for an interview, set a lavalier in the best position, or review footage is a common mistake made my many who rush through a project. Even doing simple, but somewhat tedious tasks in an edit bay can lead to mistakes and below-average results because of a lack of patience.
The point being, sometimes, when one is feeling rushed, taking a step back, a deep breath, and just being patient, as President J.Q. Adams said, will magically allow difficulties, mistakes, and obstacles to vanish. We're going to forget great ideas, miss "perfect pictures", and make mistakes as a product of rushing- the quicker we can accept that, and persevere, the sooner we can get back to being the amazing artists and creators we are.
Keepin' It Loose #FilmTechniques #LooseTripod #LasVegasVideoProduction #B-Roll
To set the tone, please watch this short clip from a cinematic masterpiece known as "Ferris Bueller's Day Off". Here's the link.
As we can see, young Cameron here is having a hard time relaxing, he is caught in a moral and psychological dilemma about whether or not to accompany his pal Ferris on a day off from school. Cameron is already excused from school because of a subtle illness, but none the less, is no worse for the wear; there is no excuse not to join Ferris and Sloan on a gorgeous, Spring-day in Chicago. Cameron though, is still wound a little tight, so tight in fact, that Ferris claims Cameron can personally and physically assist in the process of converting a lump of coal into a diamond.
The moral of this story is, you've got to keep it loose. There is no sense in being wound so tight, or constrained beyond reason. The same can be said about your tripod head. David Dalasta of FiveSix Productions once imparted a bit of knowledge to me about keeping a loose and fluid tripod head when shooting anything from b-roll to some interviews (follow the link to view some FiveSix footage). Having a locked off tripod often can result in boring, and lack-luster shots, causing the audience to lose focus; by continually having slight movement and freedom in the shot, a much more organic and natural product will materialize.
Now, this technique is obviously not appropriate for every situation, but keep the thought on the back burner and don't be afraid to give it a try, you might just like what you find.
Ferris Bueller: Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.
Attack of the Drones #Drones #FilmingWithDrones #Awesomeness
Long ago, in a galaxy far far away...
There is unrest in the production company. A swelling desire to film from the sky persists. Until now, only a twelve foot jib or a one-time throwing of the camera into the air would allow for beautiful over-heads.
Enter the DJI Inspire 1. Equipped with a 4K camera, optional dual-operator control, and a universe of awesomeness, the Inspire 1 can take on any task, from sweeping panoramic shots to battles with TIE Fighters.
This work of art that can surely be put on the same platform as say, a Millennium Falcon, will further enhance the FiveSix arsenal, and add another dimension to the Las Vegas video production world, as well as the Las Vegas production gear rental sphere.
May the force, and drones, be with you.
Six Channels of Awesome!!! #LasVegasVideoProduction #LasVegasAudio #AudioMixer #SoundsLikeLoveFeels
FiveSix Productions recently made a massive upgrade to it's audio department with the procurement of a Sound Devices 664 six-channel audio mixer. This state of the art audio mixer immediately doubles the workload capability of any other mixer in FiveSix' arsenal, and enables FiveSix to take on larger, more challenging audio tasks without outsourcing, therein strengthening the team as a whole. The primary feature is not the ability to record up to sixteen channels (with a future upgrade), but rather, to record sound internally, which provides liberty not yet experienced within the FiveSix realm.
FiveSix Productions has been consistently and successfully moving towards being one of the best and most sought after video production companies in Las Vegas. The addition of not only more equipment, but better quality equipment, not only enables FiveSix to provide everything a client needs, but also provides a Las Vegas video equipment rental solution for production audio, video, and more.
Don't stop believing, hold on to that feeling.
Storytelling through Post Production #storytelling #postproduction #editing
One of the most challenging, if not the most challenging aspect of editing/post production is telling a story. Story telling doesn't start and stop with the writer and his or her screenplay, it is an integral facet of every department, from camera, to audio, wardrobe, makeup, direction, etc. From beginning to end, no matter the scale or scope of a project, whether it's a film, television show, commercial, instructional video, etc., storytelling is the core element. This fact resonates especially true in the world of post production. The order of shots can be reorganized many ways to achieve very subtle or very drastic outcomes. The choice of music and sound effects, along with the placement of these elements has an equally dramatic effect (ask Dog&PonyShow). The pace of the edit, the placement of music, the order of shots, the type of shots, and a plethora of other factors go into determining the final product, and telling the specific story.
Editors and instructors Larry Jordan and Norman Hollyn give a very interesting and informative guide through the world of post production and how important story telling is. One of the cool notes from Larry Jordan is the "rule of thirds" as it relates to editing. The rule states that every shot effects the shot before it, after, and of course, the shot itself is a factor. Pretty simple, but a great philosophy to keep in mind. He has two books that his partner Larry Jordan said were worth checking out: "The Film Editing Room Handbook" for beginning/novice editors (such as myself), and "The Lean Forward Moment".
So, watch the awesome video, check out Larry and Norman's website: www.2reelguys.com, which is an amazing resource for filmmakers (such as nofilmschool), and, keep on learning and growing!
There's a P in Pterodactyl
I often wonder what goes through the mind of an editor or graphic designer when they see the word Pterodactyl. It's a fairly common word really, most people learn it when they're children; and though it's an odd, almost Greek-looking word, I feel it's recognizable enough. Still, there is something almost mystifying about an editor and graphic designer's ability, or, should I say, lack there of, to spell even the most common words. Before I appear morose or offensive, I would like to say that I believe these folks are intelligent, creative, and capable of wonderful on-screen-text, if only they just believe. I spent many an elementary year struggling with the subject of spelling, the laughter and pointing fingers only drove me to be more diligent in my studies, as well as utilize the resources of "spell check" and of course, a dictionary.
This inquisition into the unknown finds it's genesis in an instance when I was beseeched by a superior of mine to email any written material to editors and graphic artists to minimize grammar or spelling errors that so oft find their way onto our screens. I, in the most gallant fashion, shot an inquisitive and most likely, befuddled look, to which the response was: "Editors and graphic artists can't spell, that's why there is copy and paste." Shakespeare himself couldn't pen a more beautiful explanation; I felt as if I was listening to a concerto by Mozart, or gazing upon a Monet or the statue of David itself. I vowed from that moment to not only follow through with the advice, but also, to explore the origins and reasons behind the phenomenon of editor's inability to spell well. I would encourage everyone to do the same, as well as offer their help to anyone in distress.
My best recommendation for a place to start is, Mr. Merriam and Mr. Webster- masters of their craft. Also, keep in mind friends, even our once great and prudent leader, President George Bush Sr.'s Vice President, Mr. Dan Quayle, had trouble spelling at one time or another.
Unleash the Dragon #EpicRedDragon #LasVegasVideoProduction #6K #We'veGotTheKs
FiveSix Productions just completed the upgrade of its Red Camera to the Epic Red Dragon giving FiveSix the ability to shoot 6K. 6K images provide detail that surpasses that of 35mm film and moves into the realm of 65mm film; or, with each frame being a 19 megapixel RAW image, it is nine times more detailed than 1080p HD footage.
These may seem like overwhelming figures, but even if you don't require 6K, outputting 6K footage to 4K or HD assures the product will be clearer, crisper, and way more awesome.
The Red Dragon upgrade also provides an incredible native dynamic range of 16.5+ stops on it's improved sensor. This will greatly expand the ability to successfully work in even more challenging lighting situations, and come out with the best, truest product possible.
Hopefully, 6K opportunities abound this coming year for the crew of FiveSix Productions.
Happy shooting.
Audio Odyssey pt.2: Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth? #audiodepartment #lasvegasvideoproduction
Do you remember that scene in the film The Godfather when Don Corleone is granting requests "... on this, the day of my daughter's wedding..."? Right off the bat, the film has you on the edge of your seat, and you are engulfed by the drama, they mystery, the characters. Or how about the scene in A Few Good Men when Lt. Kaffee has Col. Jessup on the witness stand and they have their famous exchange. "I want the truth!" "You can't handle the truth!" This difficult scene incorporates soft speaking, yelling, fast talking and multiple characters speaking at once- not a walk in the park. Or, what about in Saving Private Ryan when Captain Miller (Tom Hanks) is inching his way up Omaha Beach in Normandy with thousands of bullets screaming by, mortars exploding just feet away, the screams and sounds of war overwhelming everything. The audio starts off muted and dull, but is still definitive. Did you notice the audio in any of those instances? Did you stop and say, what did he say? No, no you didn't. Do you know why? Because it was done perfectly, and you don't notice it, which is the goal of every experienced, quality audio team.
All jokes and over-dramatization aside, the audio department is the most under-appreciated and over-looked department, despite being one of the most important and difficult. In October of 1927, the film The Jazz Singer was released as the first ever talkie, using Vitaphone's sound-on-disk technology to run concurrent with the motion picture. Floods of eager movie-goers flocked in droves to local theaters to witness one of the coolest and most fascinating achievements in motion arts to date; yet, nearly ninety years later, audio is the shunned sibling of the film/video world. So, as a friendly and professional recommendation, take a moment to study the art, and appreciate all the difficulties, subtle nuances, and awesome achievements of this necessary craft. Ninety-nine percent of the greatest and most memorable moments in cinematic history, include audio- I think that alone merits some serious respect.
FiveSix Productions employs the services of multiple brands of audio gear, from Wendt mixers to Sennheiser microphones. We have a phenomenal shotgun mic in the Schoeps CMIT 5 U that is tremendously effective at eliminating even the most annoying and unwanted ambient noise. We had it on a windy golf course here in Vegas shooting an instructional video and with a simple windscreen that looked like a furry Chipotle burrito, we were able to capture crisp, clear audio that needed minimal help in post.
FiveSix is hired frequently to capture interviews, especially in the corporate setting; for these situations, we rely not only on our awesome Scheops shotgun mic, but also our very awesome, durable, and versatile Sennheiser EK/SK 100 G3 receivers/transmitters and lavalier microphones. These situations can prove tricky however, as placement of the lavalier microphone comes with challenges. Properly placing the microphone in the most effective spot means avoiding the rustle of clothing (especially, freshly pressed and starched suits), being as inconspicuous as possible, and occasionally, hiding the microphone from view behind a tie, under a collar, or on the inside of a blouse.
Another hurdle of the audio world is mixing. Most subjects we encounter are not professional actors, so the volume and clarity of the dialogue generally isn't optimal; balancing levels and tending to fluctuating circumstances is a never ending task.
There is so much more to audio, please take time to learn about it so you too can appreciate the science and art behind it. And, of course, please go easy on those poor audio folk- even if they are sometimes weird, creepy, and just a bit south of sanity.
Audio Odyssey pt.1: Sigmund Freud will see you now #audiodepartment #lasvegasvideoproduction
Larry Ellison, Jack Dorsey, Craig Newmark, Jeff Bezos. These names may be familiar, or they may not. Oracle, Twitter, Craigslist, Amazon; these names are very familiar. These are examples of people who may have been considered nerds and may have been picked on growing up, but are now successful, billionaire founders of these companies/websites.
The point being: you never know which "nerd" you're picking on will become rich and successful. Don't pick on the poor folks in the sound department, they're people too, and they're important to the success of the production.
Often, the "cool kids" in the camera, production, grip... really, every other department will look down upon the audio crew. They blame all their problems on the audio crew, and probably even say mean and hurtful things behind their backs- or, to their face for the full, bullying experience. A camera operator forgets to role: audio's fault. The actor forgets her lines: audio's fault. Craft services is out of creme cheese for the bagels: audio's fault. Your dog used your living room rug as a restroom: yup, audio's fault.
Audio is a very difficult position that requires hard work, concentration, a plethora of experience, and most importantly, thick skin. In this two part audio odyssey, we will explore the challenges and intricacies of the audio department; and shed a bright, happy, non-judgmental light upon this misunderstood and scrutinized world and those who inhabit it.
To get started, watch this video, which takes an awesome look at sound production on a film set. https://vimeo.com/116200417
Staring Contest #staringcontest #videoproduction
If you find yourself locked in a staring contest with a goldfish, chances are you're going to lose. The National Center for Biotechnology Information, at the U.S. National Library for Medicine, released a study that shows that the average attention span for a human dropped from twelve seconds in the year 2000, all the way down to eight seconds in the year 2013. That worthy foe floating inches away has an average attention span of nine seconds- goldfish: one, humans: zero.
This is a troubling statistic in terms of contests with household pets, and the success of advertisers and entertainers alike. How can you sell your product or keep folks in the seats if they journey into Imaginationland every 8.1 seconds? As time goes on, and our society delves deeper and deeper into the immediate gratification of social media, the world wide web, and sites such as Twitter and Instagram, our ability to pay attention lessens. It's almost a wonder feature-length films exist anymore.
The Guardian of Great Britain released an interesting "Internet Users Attention Span 101" sort of article about a year ago. The article highlights some of the key points and basic principles of consumer attention spans and internet surfing habits. As previously stated, the main goal of an advertisement to portray and promote a product has now turned into a very real science and very big battle of creativity, resourcefulness, and ingenuity. No longer is the staple sixty second commercial an acceptable standard. Now, not only on television, but increasingly more on websites such as YouTube, Hulu, Netflix, Vevo, and your favorite mobile app and game, there are ten, fifteen, and thirty second spots. Effectively advertising your product in thirty seconds is a challenge, doing so in ten or fifteen seconds is the new mark of a master.
Finally, in an attempt to explore the dark side of the moon, Variety, released a very interesting look at some major companies and brands pushing away from the shrinking attention span, and relying on quality storytelling, advertising, and production to sell a product, even if it takes two or three minutes. FiveSix Productions' David Dalasta wrote an interesting article about episodic social media that could well be a look at effective advertising in the near future. Perhaps these young minds and young consumers aren't losing the ability to pay attention; instead, the young folks and the generation behind them are simply overwhelmed with too much of a bland, mundane thing and are waiting to be thrilled, enticed, and engaged in a new, creative, and exciting way... even if it takes more than eight seconds. Game on gold fish.