Dusty Sensors!
While shooting with our Sony A7S in Chicago recently, we ran into a bit of bad luck that was in fact, also a bit of negligence on our part. We shot all day with the A7 on and off the Ronin, using an external HD monitor as much as possible, and still managed to miss some dust that was living on the sensor. With a camera like the Sony A7S, which is mirrorless, the chances for alien objects to make contact with and stick to the sensor are much greater than that of say a Canon 5DMark ii.Unfortunately for us, we didn't notice the issue until that evening while reviewing footage. Luckily we were able to acquire the correct cleaning materials for that sensor and now include it with all our camera packages. So, lesson learned, and we were able to rebound with a great day two!
Four Cameras
Last night, FiveSix Productions deployed three of it's smartest, most talented, and ruggedly handsome agents of greatness to tackle a project of momentous occasion. Four cameras, three operators, and one guy spinning in a hoop. We were offered a Texas size range of light temps, and a rainbow of colors that would excite a leprechaun- fortunately, for most of the talent, hardly any of the light hit their face (wouldn't want to bother their eyes). We however, pulled out all stops, after adjusting the F-stops, and did our best to give a very gracious client, a product that they loved. What's next on the Las Vegas video production horizon? Who knows, but I say: bring me the horizon (shout out to the band), and we'll see you on the other side.
F11 Rentals Keeps It Clean
Our hommies over at F11 Rentals know how to have a good time, and as such, they are willing to, and even like to share their camera packages with pretty much anyone willing to pay, even here in the Las Vegas video production world (no judgment here). Letting your packages fall into almost anyone's hands can lead to some serious danger though, that's why they always live by the motto: 'Don't be a fool, wrap your tool(s)'. F11 Rentals utilizes the awesome line of production bags from Cinebags; from the High Roller to the Skinny Jimmy, they keep their gear clean, and in order with unyielding dedication and modesty... You know what, check out this video they made, and it'll give you the idea.
The Hunt for Free Footage
In a hunt for royalty free, historical footage, I found quite a few road blocks. Most free footage is water stamped, or too poor of quality. Licensing footage can cost a fortune that is just not available. How have we worked around those roadblocks? Archive.org is a great resource for awesome, archival footage and audio material (as well as hosting some dope 90's video games (Oregon Trail!!!)), they also have a Youtube channel. Getty hosts images and video, though it is rarely free. One last site I found was www.dvarchive.com which had quite a bit of license/royalty-free material and only charged a one time handling cost- which wasn't bad.
So, best of luck in your search for free stuff- 'cause only suckers pay for stuff (Right Sean Parker?).
Round Table Video
Yesterday, FiveSix Productions, your go-to Las Vegas video production company (or so the "top brass" hopes), shot a round table discussion that to me, seemed nearly identical to a certain scene in The Godfather. There were seven subjects that conversed for a little over an hour. In order to light everyone evenly, and not make it look like a scene out of a mafia film (example here), we suspended two China ball lights over the center of the table, and built a nice duvetyne cage (of sorts) to eliminate spill. The table was outfitted with a white table cloth (grey would probably be more advisable (that's circumstantial though)) which luckily provided good fill light, without being too "hot".
For our cameras, we used two of our trusty Canon C300s, and our awesome new Sony A7s (F11 Rentals has one if you need to borrow it). We locked off the Sony on a set of sticks, and put one Canon on our awesome Dana Dolly, and another on "Ol' Reliable" our cinedolly (I pushed!). One of our awesome audio amigos owned the hell out of the mighty 664 audio mixer, and ran eight channels of sweet-awesomeness like a boss! (It feels as weird typing that as it would to say it- my bad, enough of that.)
So, if you want to set up a round table discussion, (or a tea party with Teddy Bear and Strawberry Shortcake), and you'd like to film it for whatever reason, we're your trusted Las Vegas video production company, and we have plenty of friends and know a great video gear rental house to get the job done. (Run on sentence!!!)
The new Dana Dolly #Vegasvideo
The days of carting out our doorway dolly and track are few and far between now. With our acquisition of the new Dana Dolly we can now provide the same smooth dolly moves with a compact and portable rig. Our friends at F11 Rentals just posted a video of the Dana Dolly. Get ready to be informed and entertained.
Tarantino's New Adventure #Anamorphic65mm #70mm #RealFilm #OldSchool
"The Hateful Eight", Quentin Tarantino's latest film was shot completely on 65mm film with anamorphic lenses, and will be released in gorgeous, sweeping, 70mm on December 25th- Merry Christmas! Joe Marine over at NoFilmSchool explains how this film will be a departure from the few attempts at 70mm from the past few years, and be more like the 70mm films from the 60's, such as Ben-Hur and Khartoum.
"The Hateful Eight, on the other hand, is taking that native 2.20:1 aspect ratio and shooting with 1.25x anamorphic lenses, which is later unsqueezed to a super-wide 2.75:1 aspect ratio — much wider than the normal widescreen in cinema today, which is 2.39/2.40:1." -Joe Marine.
So, in a Tarantino-style nut shell, this should be a unique, exciting, and fun cinematic adventure we have ahead of us. Here's a link to the n.f.s. article, where you can see the trailer!
Las Vegas Film Festival #LVFF #LVFilm #FestivalsAreForDreamers
It's that time again, time for the Las Vegas Film Festival! It's an opportunity for big dreamers and doers to get out there and show off their best short, feature, and documentary films. From near and far, high and low, here and there, independent film makers are putting their hearts, souls, and best feet forward in an all-out, winner take-all battle of visual story telling.
The festival will run for four days downtown in some of the exciting and eclectic theaters that are woven into the fabric of old Vegas. So grab your popcorn, sodas, and bullet proof vests, and let's go! Pimpin, Korean culture camp, deadbeat dads, and dirty French something or another are the topics of the day in the four feature films being presented; and nothing says "great weekend" like some hookers and a weekend in Vegas with some foreigners!
So, if you're in the mood for a cinematic adventure this weekend, and aren't interested in men acting like ants, any possible or impossible missions, or anyone from Compton, give the Las Vegas Film Festival a try, and make sure to cheer extra loud for any Las Vegas film makers.
Today in Film History #AmericanGraffiti #RememberRobinWililams #HollywoodHistory
August 11th, 1973 saw the nation-wide premier of the coming-of-age classic American Graffiti. This nostalgic look at early 1960's Americana was very successful and ended up being nominated for five Academy Awards, including two for up-and-coming director/producer George Lucas. Lucas was nominated for Best Director, and co-nominated for Best Screenplay, as well as being a part of the Best Picture bid. Lucas would go on to write, direct, and/or produce such iconic Hollywood blockbusters as (some of) the Star Wars series, the Indiana Jones series, and many others. His contributions don't stop there, his films have also given rise to Lucasfilm Ltd. his production company, Industrial Light and Magic (graphics and animation), THX (surround sound), and all this on his personal playground Skywalker Ranch. The careers Richard Dreyfuss, Harrison Ford, and Ron Howard were also given a huge boost by American Graffiti.
Also, tragically, one year ago today the world lost a very funny and inspirational spirit in Robin Williams. Star of such wonderful films/shows as Mork & Mindy, Good Morning, Vietnam, DeadPoets Society, Mrs. Doubtfire, Good Will Hunting, and many more. Robin Williams was a hilarious and beautiful soul that definitely left the world with an empty spot upon his departure.
For more on each day's historical awesomeness, visit the History Channel website- that's kind of what they're in to.
Lens Whacking #That'sWhatSheSaid #That'sWhatHeDid #ShootingDirty
So, my buddy Sunny from WeRWolvz put me on to a pretty interesting shooting technique called Lens Whacking or Free Lensing, where you shoot with the lens detached from the camera body. The effects produced are increased light leaks and lens flairs, as well as an organic tilt-shift focus effect. The resulting image has a dreamlike, vintage look to it and can be very fulfilling for adding a touch of art to your project. I have yet to give this whacking a try, but will definitely check it out on an upcoming music video project- results will be presented if successful.
Remember, you don't have to whack alone, friends are always just a snap chat away.