When You're the D.P. on Star Wars...
So, apparently, when you're good at motion picturing, and you work with some dude named J.J. Abrams on some Indy film called "Star Wars: The Force (may have been farce) Awakens" you get custom lenses made for you. Some guy named Dan Mindel (probably works at J.C. Penny's photo center part time) was the Director of Photography (think production assistant) for this star war. Anyway, someone at Panavision, probably an intern who's about to get fired, agreed to create custom lenses just for this dude and his friends so it would look like prequels to this movie. I suppose they're trying to be "cool" and "retro"... hippies. I got bored and stopped after a couple paragraphs, but maybe you can trudge through this article about it. If you fall asleep, I won't blame you. Here it is: http://www.panavision.com/panavision-designs-lenses-mindel-star-wars-force-awakens
CES 2016
One of the best times of the year is right around the corner: CES 2016! The International Consumer Electronics Show is back in Las Vegas, and it looks like it will be epic! We love the video production business it brings to us here in Vegas, but we also love being able to see all the new, exciting, and innovative technologies and gadgets that over 3,600 showcasing companies will be displaying. CEOs from companies such as IBM, Netflix, General Motors, Intel, and others will be the keynote speakers at CES 2016, and there are hundreds of speaker sessions and workshops to attend. "The Internet of Things", and connectivity will be hot topics, as well as "wearables", evolving 3D printing, "big data", and much more.
Over 150,000 people will attend from over 150 countries. This is one of the largest consumer electronics and technology shows in the world, and it is a great opportunity to keep up and get ahead in the market. Make sure to get your passes soon, and of course, if you need outstanding video production to create the perfect experience, give FiveSix Production a shout, and we'll be happy to help.
BoardRoom Interview - Bill Stewart Part 1
Our next interview to be released is the "father of the modern longboard", Bill Stewart. Bill unfortunately was tooooo young to have a featured role in our movie. Our story revolved around the fathers of the original longboard. That being the case I'm very excited to share our interview with Bill. If we were to create BoardRoom part 2, I'm sure Bill would be one of the featured cast with his stories and in-site on how the surf industry evolved. From Longbaords to Shortboards and back with the introduction on the modern longboard.
The production team:
Robert Jax owns FiveSix Productions which is a Las Vegas video production company. We produce documentaries, commercials, and high end corporate videos.
Markus Davids owns Cinebags production bags and is a cinematographer known for his underwater DPness
Robert Bell is a world renowned producer and was one of the first people to surf the cove in PV with a wetsuit.
Buy your copy of Boardroom in your local surf shop or at www.boardroomfilms.com
BoardRoom Interview - Rich Harbour Part 2
How do you tell Dale Velzy he is a shitty shaper? Tell us, Rich!
Watch the raw footage from our production to hear the entire story. That controversial soundbite set everyone on fire when we used it in our first trailer.
Here is the final segment of our Rich Harbour interview.
Vegas Video Production provided by FiveSix Productions.
Interview by Markus Davids
Moral Support – Robert Bell
BoardRoom Interview - Rich Harbour Part 1
I grew up in the small town of Seal Beach, CA. Growing up we either took our bikes to Gumgrove Park or our boards to the beach. Every time we walked down to the water we would pass this little surf shop, Harbour Surfboards. My first surfboard was a Harbour, my dad bought it at a garage sale from a friend down the street. This shop is part of the fabric of the town, which is why it was such an honor to interview Rich Harbour for our project.
After 35 years of buying countless shirts, hat, and surfboards, I never realized the impact Rich Harbour had beyond our Main Street. For all of you with a Harbour sticker on your car or a Seal Beach Hoodie on your back, here is part 1 of our interview with Rich.
Interview was conducted my Markus Davids. It cracked me up because of his German accent it when he says Rich, it sounds more like Rick. We teased him relentlessly.
You can see more of Rich in our movie BoardRoom - Legends of Surfboard Shaping. You can get your copy in the shop or at www.boardroomfilms.com
Get Legit! FAA Drone Registration Now Available
Well, they've gone and done it, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has opened up registration for your drones. No more rogue, Han Solo existence for all the Top Gun caliber mavericks out there. This rule applies for any drone weighing 0.55lbs and 55lbs- so everyone really. If you already have your drone, you have until February 16th to register, if you buy it today and beyond, you'll have to register before your first take off. This is either awesome because you're one step closer to that career with American Airlines, or horrible because like with our televisions watching us- it's just one more way big brother can track us; it all depends on how much of a conspiracy theorist you are. Registration is five bucks and lasts three years. So there will be plenty of time to practice and get awesome at aerial video production in Las Vegas or wherever you are.
Either way, here's the link to a pretty thorough article from the nice folks at TechCrunch, and the link to the FAA drone registration page to get you going. Enjoy, and happy flying.
BoardRoom Interview - Hap Jacobs Part 3
There is a lot to learn from Hap Jacobs about the surf industry. His contribution goes well beyond being a master craftsman and board builder. Hear from Hap himself about his contributions and experiences as this hobby of surfing turned into what it is today.
Purchase your copy of our best selling DVD BOARDROOM - LEGENDS of SURFBOARD SHAPING
BoardRoom Interviews - Hap Jacobs Part 2
Here is the second installment from our interview with Hap Jacobs.
Our video production team consisted of
Producer: Robert Bell
Director of Photography: Robert Jax
Director: Markus Davids
If you like this interview, please support our film and purchase a copy at boardroomfilms.com
Boardroom Interview - Hap Jacobs Part 1
Hap Jacobs was born in Los Angeles, CA and moved to Hermosa Beach in the fourth grade. Though reluctant to part with his city friends, he grew to love the beach. Growing up on The Strand at 30th Street in Hermosa Beach, Jacobs picked up riding canvas surf mats filled with air. His first job at age 15 was at a surf rental shop called California Surfrider, located near the pier. His duties included inflating surf mats for customers in the morning, then riding them himself in the afternoon.
We were very fortunate to talk to Hap. Not only is he a very talented shaper, he was also partners with Dale Velzy. As Velzy had passed away prior to our filming. We loved painting his picture with the people who knew him best. Here is the first installment from his original interview.
Order your copy of BoardRoom here: www.boardroomfilms.com
Hotel Obstacles
Video production in Las Vegas hotels and resorts has it's pros and cons. I won't go through the whole list, but there are plenty points on both sides. While shooting at a very nice "off strip" resort this week, we ran into quite an audio issue. Day one went smooth as one could hope, no distractions, everyone was on time, and all seemed great. Day two is where we ran into some problems. As we began our first interview, there was a sound similar to a jackhammer or drill going on nearby. We waited a moment, but it was consistent. Unfortunately, after finally getting in touch with someone who knew the happenings in the hotel that day, we found that the spa was directly below us, and it was under a two day renovation. Fortunately, with some tact, poise, and resourcefulness, our producer was able to find us a more suitable, and much more quiet room far from construction zones. Just goes to show, cooler heads often prevail; even on set.