On Set with Red: A Weary AC’s Rant

While Red was making new product announcements in November 2008, I was busy AC’ing a 10-day Red One shoot. Between takes the crew discussed the new camera and sensor options announced by Jim Jannard and Co. The ability to mix and match sensor sizes for maximum flexibility whets my appetite as a filmmaker. However, for myself and others I’ve spoken with, that excitement is tempered with a bit of cold reality. The general concensus is, “Finish the camera you promised at NAB 2007 before you deliver another line of products.” Leading up the camera department on this project and others has really driven that point home to me. Donning my flame-retardant gear, I’m going to take a few minutes and get some of these issues off my chest. Read on…

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.

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…

Beautiful Music Video shot with the Nikon D90

Canon’s 1080p-capable 5D MarkII DSLR has been getting a lot of press lately, and for good reason. It creates surprisingly good video in a still camera form factor. Nikon’s D90 was the first DSLR to offer HD video, but it’s 720p mode with all-too-prevalent CMOS skew and jello issues make it sort of the red-headed-stepchild of the two. However, that’s not to say you can’t make good video with the camera. In fact, I’ve got an article in an upcoming DV Magazine issue that speaks directly to the topic of best practices with the D90. As an example of what you can create with the D90, I recommend you watch the following music video and accompanying behind-the-scenes video. It’s well worth it.

Behind the Scenes on Fincher’s “Benjamin Button”

Via Flippant News here’s a behind the scenes look at The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, which, like Fincher’s previous film Zodiac, was shot all-digitally on the Viper camera. Videos are embedded below. Apple also has a short writeup on the filmmaking process.

Camera Reports, Done Right

Well no one, and I mean no one enjoys doing paperwork, but like it or not paperwork is a vital part of production. It allows for accountability between producers and crew members and facilitates communication allowing everyone to be on the same page. In the camera dept the job of filling camera reports fall to the 1st and 2nd AC. These reports are important for tracking footage, and knowing how to match shots, and communicate pertinent information to the lab if shooting film, in the case of video this information facilitates editing and re-shooting pickups if needed. Ryan O’hara provides a great full length article on the correct methodology for completing camera reports.

Behind the Scenes at a superfad Phantom shoot

superfad is the creative production company behind some of the most compelling uses of high-speed video that I’ve seen to date. When Vision Research needed a demo of their Phantom camera for NAB 2007, they tapped superfad and DOP Stephen McGehee for a three-minute demo that showed off the camera’s high-framerate possibilities. The result was impressive. You can see a fairly detailed behind the scenes featurette on that project here. Another recent project was a few essential elements-themed spots for a Kung Fu HD channel. A photographer working to capture stills alongside the 1000fps Phantom has posted a short behind the scenes clip on the project, you can watch it below. Two of the finished superfad ads are posted in their high speed gallery. Enjoy the slow motion goodness.

Production Jobs and Responsibilities of Crew

    After a recent conversation with some fellow filmmakers I was reminded of how mysterious in some ways our industry is, and how many people may not even be clear of their job titles, and what responsibilities those jobs entail. There also exist a hierarchy of authority on a set and a certain level of professionalism is expected of the departments. In the professional realm with a full staffed crew there exist a level of professionalism and mutual respect for each others jobs and responsibilities, or at least their usually is. Sure sometimes you wind up on a bad crew getting chewed out for nothing. The independent world could learn some valuable lessons about team management and establishing departments, and establishing a creative chain of command. Even among friends there should be a degree of departmentalization and a chain of command for decision making. This will ensure that your production flows smoother and everyone can concentrate on their job responsibilities, which has hopefully been staffed to that persons strengths and abilities. Read on for some guidelines and roles that will help you accomplish a smooth running production crew…

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