How to Avoid Common Freelancing Pitfalls

Just a quick blog entry to note a good article over at Freelance Folder on why Freelancing is hard, and what you can do to alleviate your pain as much as possible. Check out the article here.

New Sandisk SSD equivalent to 40K RPM hard drive

One of the announcements made at CES is a new line of Sandisk SSDs. These hard drive replacements are slated to be available in mid-2009, and are orders of magnitude faster than existing hard drive tech. Here’s the scoop:

Roger Deakins Lighting Diagrams

Are you the type that tries to break down and analyze the lighting setups while watching a feature film? If so, here’s a an incredible resource you’ll probably appreciate. Cinematographer Roger Deakins has posted a selection of scene lighting diagrams from his body of work. There are diagrams and notes from Hudsucker Proxy, The Man Who Wasn’t There, Jarhead, and No Country for Old Men. You’ll need to register for a free account to access the files, but it’s well worth the few minutes it takes. Check it out.

5D MKII RC Heli Aerial Footage

Here’s some shots from what appear to be the first remote-controlled aircraft test with Canon’s hot new HD-equipped Digital SLR camera. The RC helicopter used is surprisingly vibration free, I did not expect that. Video embedded below.

Editing is Mind Control for the Masses

In a study released in mid-2008, neuroscientists noted that certain styles of motion pictures are capable of exerting “considerable control over brain activity.” In the study that used fMRI imaging to study neocortex response, researchers found that the level of control exerted was linked directly to the film’s editing and directing style. One of the films screened for subjects was an episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents “Bang! You’re Dead.” The findings are probably not that surprising to most experienced editors, I think many of us feel that on some level editing is a form of manipulation. However, it’s interesting to see real data on the topic. Read on…

How to Create a DVD ISO Image from Files on a Mac

I had to create an .ISO file for a client recently, using the contents of a DVD (the VIDEO_TS and AUDIO_TS folders). The resulting ISO disc image had to be compatible on Mac and Windows systems. This tutorial is a little offtopic, but since it took far too much Googling to find the right solution, I figured I’d share the process here for PVC readers. Hopefully these simple steps will save you some trouble. Here’s how I did it…

XDCAM EX1 DIY 1.11 Firmware Update

I’ve written recently about a few third-party media options for the Sony XDCAM EX1 and EX3, commonly known as KxS and MxR. One of the prerequisites for using these cheap media options is the latest firmware for the cameras, version 1.11. If your EX1 went in for service recently, you may well already have the latest firmware. It is my understanding that the EX3 shipped with the 1.11 firmware. If you are not so lucky, Sony will perform the update for you at an authorized service center for $100 (which is really quite reasonable for a camera service bill).

However, enterprising users who can’t leave well enough alone have documented how to do the process entirely DIY. Here’s one such video tutorial below. As this probably will void your Sony warranty, I can only suggest that you think twice before trying this on your own camera. The video also shows how to enter the maintenance menu and check your firmware level.

New JVC Camcorder first with Native Quicktime Support

At the FCP SuperMeet at Macworld, JVC launched a new handheld camcorder, the GY-HM100. This camera is a very compact design, measuring roughly 6” x 7” x 14” and weighing under 3.5 lbs. However, don’t let it’s size fool you. JVC has packed the camera with useful features that users have been clamoring for. Normally, I’m not taken aback by JVC camcorder announcements. Yes, they launched the first affordable HDV camcorder years ago, but since then their offerings and upgrades have been small, logical steps without many of the exciting technology leaps. This is not to say their cameras aren’t excellent tools. It’s just that they aren’t very exciting, and I don’t feel that they have put a lot of pressure on their competitors to drive future innovation. That being said, this HM100 announcement has me taken aback, and I think it will apply pressure to JVC’s competition. Here’s why…

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