The Amp HDR camera being developed!

Contrast Digital announced recently that they are developing the Amp Gen II camera as a high tech HDRI film camera at 24 or 30 fps.  If you know anything about HDRI you should find this interesting...

A Versatile HDR Video Production System from Mike Tocci on Vimeo.

So, obviously, I would really love to shoot with this camera or with one like it.  Supposedly, the RED EPIC is going to have a comparable HDR capability...  I have been for some time, after all, working on a concept for a feature film utilizing HDR video as a stylistic approach during the entire film.  It is a post-american steampunk/sci-fi biker gang film and it should be just a complete enjoyment to film!  Yayy!  I can't wait!

Zacudo embarks on the Great Camera Shootout

Go here for the Shootout:
http://www.zacuto.com/the-great-camera-shootout-2011/episode-one

Zacudo, who makes pro support gear and rigs for cameras and filmmaking, has been a long-time producer of web shorts about filmmaking, dslr cameras and film on the web- and now they have embarked on their second series of tests for cameras (the first Great Camera Shootout was for DSLR's vs. Film and actually won an Emmy award).  This one is supposedly even more professional, exhaustive, and high brow- with an LA production and screens all over the world with some of the world's finest cinematographers watching the tests & weighing in on the best of the best pro digital cameras.

The cameras chosen to compete this time were consistent with their more professional approach-- the best digital cameras in the world used on MOST films being produced today- including the DSLR's and including Kodak film as well.  They tested the Arri Alexa, Red One MX, Sony F35, Sony F3, Phantom Flex, Kodak 5213, Kodak 5219, Panasonic AG-AF100, Weisscam HS-2, Canon 1D MkIV, Canon 5D MkII, Canon 7D and the Nikon D7000.  My camera the Canon 60D should be rated similarly to the Canon 7D as it comes to image quality.  This is part one of a three part series which will be gradually released in the next few months as they are being edited.

I have to say I think this is the biggest public test of this kind in the world- I just hope they did all the cameras justice and no one gets their little panties in a wad over some of the results... people can get VERY attached to their cameras of choice and I for one am surprised in a few of the results.  The Alexa did as well as I thought it would.  Film didn't do so hot in the low light but handled any available light very well.  The Sony's surprised with their high's and lows.  The Flex seemed to do badly all around, just as the Panasonic seemed to do- definitely NOT as good as the others... even compared to the DSLR's.  The DSLR's surprised as well with fairly good latitude for the price.  But, I think the Red did very well- though on par with the Alexa and with the Sony's in my view.  I suppose the biggest surprise is the fact that I feel my investment in a DSLR was still very smart AND that the next cameras for me is either the Red Epic (which is supposed to be even better than the One) or one of the Sonys.  I was very surprised in the quality of the Sonys latitude vs. some of the other cameras.  I still can't wait to see more of the Epic & I hope to use it on a film once it comes out.  It is a sad thing that they couldn't acquire one for the test.

Regardless, we should all remember the line in the end of the video from a great cinematographer, Don McAlpine, "...compared to getting a good script, a good director and a good cast... man... it's a fraction of a percent with where you're going with the result..." meaning the result of these cameras (compared to one another) is a fraction of what is really important in making a good film (compared with the importance if having a good script, director & cast).  So, true.

Looking for a composer

Hello everyone!  I have long wanted some good friendships with musicians to help make films with.  So, I have decided I might as well put out the call to find a composer to either help score a soundtrack for individual scenes or to provide their tracts for use in my upcoming film(s).  Right now, I am working on a short film that is called "Death Do Us Part" and we are now in post-production.  But, this may end up being a long term collaboration or friendship between us- if I like your style!  Often, filmmakers will work with composers and musicians on an ongoing basis because of having a common style in collaboration. You dont have to be 'good'- I just need to like it!  That being said, I cannot guarantee friendship- it sounds kind of funny to put it that way- but this internet collaboration thing can be turbulent, strange and unnerving and yet... it can also be strangely rewarding I have found... if the right chord is struck.

If you find yourself 'interested' in this idea, please respond by leaving me a comment and offering me a link to your content somewhere on the web... or by telling me a little bit about yourself.  I would deeply appreciate any help you would give me to make my films sparkle and come to life- especially if your work is even moderately good!  Remember, if you are good, you probably won't think you are that good- but it really only matters if you work hard and live up to your own personal bar of excellence... if you are doing that pleeeeaaaase contact me!  If you know someone who would fit this description- please contact me or connect us!  Thanks so much people!!  =)

Loving the new RED EPIC tests at 300 fps

I have been looking forward to some good fps tests with the new Epic camera.  So Phillip Bloom just released this test yesterday.  http://philipbloom.net/2011/06/25/epic300fps/


Drip: RED EPIC 300 FPS test shoot from Philip Bloom on Vimeo.



This is especially relevant since Cameron & Lucas were speaking earlier this year at CinemaCon about fps being the next big thing after 3D- or so they say.  Also, I'm loving the rumored HDR capabilities it is supposed to have and the selective focus in post.  I can't wait to shoot with it at some point.

Picture Lock on "Death Do Us Part"!!!

It looks like we have achieved this landmark of post-production phase!!  Picture-Lock!!  It is about 10 minutes with title sequence and credit crawl!  Not too bad!!  We still need the audio and most VFX to be laid in and rendered out...  But, picture lock (which is the completion of the editing/cutting decisions- to the point that you can say it is pretty much chiseled in stone) makes it possible to complete these other goals with better accuracy.  I cannot say when the VFX and sound will be done but- I will make sure to keep you all informed and up to date on our progress!

Film Hubs- Another Look

A few years ago, I was researching what I call the different "film hubs" all around the U.S. to determine where the best place to do business and possibly the best place to move would be (if I were to move).

The Film Hubs (1-11): #1 being the best and #11 being, well... on the bottom.  Not necessarily the bottom, as in, "the worst" in the nation, but relatively speaking, the worst of the bunch.  So, this is strictly in comparison to the other film hubs being scrutinized in the post.  Also, I have added a new priority to the mix which might affect things a few percentage points up or down.  Getting a job if we move is important, so I added a "Jobs" priority.  Since, my wife works in TV editing and I am probably going to have to get some video or production-related work or possibly, I hope to be able to work in the welding field.  Regardless, this is definitely an important factor... these are not simply normal jobs you can find anywhere.  Also, I decided to add my assessment of how California would stack up with the other film hubs according to my own current priorities, so there are now, eleven contenders.

Priorities:  Jobs + Cheap + Industry + Film Community + Livable + Family = Total

1. Florida Film Hub   10 + 8 + 2 + 4 + 6 + 10 = 40

2. California Film Hub   8 + 3 + 10 + 7 + 6 + 5 = 39
3. Louisiana Film Hub   7 + 7 + 9 + 7 + 5 + 4 = 39

4. Georgia Film Hub   7 + 7 + 8 + 6 + 5 + 5 = 38

5. Portland/Seattle/Vancouver Film Hub   4 + 4 + 5 + 7 + 10 + 7 = 37

6. NYC Film Hub   9 + 1 + 9 + 9 + 7 + 2 = 37

7. New England Film Hub   6 + 5 + 6 + 8 + 6 + 5 = 36

8. Texas Film Hub   5 + 7 + 7 + 8 + 4 + 4 = 35
9. Michigan Film Hub   4 + 5 + 6 + 6 + 4 + 9 = 34
10. Chicago/Milwaukee Film Hub   6 + 3 + 7 + 6 + 4 + 5 = 31
11. Pittsburgh/Cleveland Film Hub   3 + 5 + 5 + 6 + 5 + 6 = 30

It looks like Florida wins this round!  The great thing is these are all places that are important for different reasons.  In Cali and NOLA, it is the film-related work and jobs.  In Florida, it is because a job is ensured and because our family is here... increasing the Jobs and Family rating.

There are many things to consider.  And family and livability are pretty important for us right now since we have a growing family!

So, looks like I'll be looking at staying in Florida for right now until I have some better prospects or until I have a feature film under my belt. Or maybe I'll find something that interests me elsewhere- or something that proves my high marks wrong somehow.  We will see.  =)

Still Exploring the Film School Options

Since I started my filmmaking career about 4 years ago I have wanted to move to a 'film hub' and possibly to attend film school.  I try not to get too emotional about these decisions but it also makes me put them off or ignore their importance.  I have also been a proponent of filmmaking self-education over the internet and through personal experience.  For the most part this method has proven to be effective if you are a self-starter and you take personal initiative to constantly improve upon your own work.  That being said, I have not progressed as much as I had hoped (based on my goals a few years ago) probably because I tend to start out with some very ambitious goals and then more realistic realities start to take form eventually.

If you have seen my slate of projects that I have had on this blog... well lets just say I am a bit behind on those goals.  Admittedly, even the more recent goals were much more realistic than how I started- which was to make a feature sci-fi noir RIGHT AWAY.  Of course, I had no idea how much work and how much money that would actually take to achieve.  I am not someone who wants to make what may be called "crap movies"- although I could have made something (by now) that would 'technically' meet the stated goals in past blog posts- but they would be nowhere near the quality that I have imagined in my head.  I am of the opinion that if you make bad movies- you get type-cast as someone who just makes bad movies... so I want to at least not fall into making movies without a solid handle on the "craft".

This brings me back to moving because the quality of your crew is seriously affected if you do not live in a good area for filmmaking.  Also... Rebecca and I still want to move.  Some of our challenges are also still the same challenges. Most of all, the real estate market is still bad and I need to finish fixing up our condo.

Still, I have managed to narrow down the film hubs and colleges I am interested in.  I prefer organizations and very specific programs that are much cheaper and faster than normal colleges and universities- since I prefer a real film community over film theory and academics.  Here are the possible schools and programs.  Many are in NYC while some others are in Chicago, Pittsburgh, Portland, Seattle, Grand Rapids, Denver & Vancouver, BC.

The Lee Strasberg Theater & Film Institute 
Werner Herzog's Rogue Film School
Chicago Filmmakers
Pittsburgh Filmmakers
Digital Film Academy

Colorado Film School

Hunter College (CUNY)

nwFilm Center School of Film
NW Film Forum
Seattle Film Institute
Vancouver Film School
Compass Film Academy

If anyone can recommend a school (hopefully cheaper than NYU or Columbia please), or knows anything about these areas, these organizations or these schools in question, give me a comment or two.  I'd appreciate it!

Development (Update 3)

Here is another update on the films slated to be shot in the future. Please refer to the last update to see the context here.  So, here is the current state of my brainstorming progress...

Short Subjects

"Death Do Us Part" -- Post-Production -- Jun 2011

"Untitled Short written by Rebecca Croft" -- Writing -- Jun 2011

"Lunch Date" aka "Wendigo" -- In Development -- Nov 2011

"The Fire" -- Writing -- Jan 2012

Features

"Bad Day" -- Writing -- Oct 2011

"Punishment" -- Planned -- Jun 2012

"Redshift" -- Planned -- Feb 2013

Instead of just saying "In Development" I thought I would be more specific about the kind of work we are doing (or not doing) on each project.  So,  either we have "planned" to start working on or developing the project, we are actively "writing", we are "in development" (which is like re-writing and gathering resources), we are in "pre-production" (meaning it has been green-lighted so we are planning the shooting), we are "filming" (production), or we are in "post-production" (editing, vfx, sound design, music composition, ADR, coloring, rendering, etc).

The Shorts

My wife is now writing another short which makes me really excited- especially because it is a period fantasy piece!!  I have to say, knowing my wife and the quality of her ideas- I pretty much slated this short immediately upon hearing her plans.  The title is not determined yet, but it should be a really fun, lighthearted piece.  "Death Do Us Part" was different in the sense that it was also lots of fun but a bit more serious.  "Lunch Date" has morphed a bit into a classic horror story with a monster and some modern moodiness.  "The Fire" is being taken from my own rambling, eclectic, dystopian ideas to create a dark American society in the future.   "The Fire" has suspended in it- ideas for a feature film about a similar dark dystopian American society, except with hyped up futuristic motorcycle gangs!!!  YAYY!  Who couldn't get excited about that?  I also have a similar dystopian story planned for a different feature with a detective in a dark American future city and a sort of sci-fi noir atmosphere aspect to it.  If you know what my favorite film is, you will know where I'm coming from here... its kind of a no brainer!  These shorts are supposed to prepare me for these feature ideas to be really great when I execute them so, I suppose we will see about that.

The Features

"Bad Day" seems to me now a better first feature to start with than "Punishment", even though it is not a horror like Punishment but also it is not as much of a high concept art film.  It is a simple story about bad things happening to normal people in a normal small American suburban setting.  "Transmission" has not gone away- it is the same story but the title has been changed to "Redshift".  Also, I will need considerable funding to make the dystopian American biker movie set in the near future (which we can call "Timeline" as a working title), so I have not slated it here yet because I have no idea when I could expect that sort of funding.

If any of these projects sound like things you would like to get involved in or are excited about, let me know and show your support!  Thanks so much for all of the help we've received so far with "Death Do Us Part"!!  There is more to come and we plan on getting bigger and better with every offering!!  Ciao people!

The Self-Taught Filmmaker: Part 1

This is the beginnings of an ongoing article about how to teach yourself to be a filmmaker online and through personal experience- which I will update often and add new parts to (because of all the information).  Reading this article can help make you a great filmmaker, but I must give a disclaimer... 

First of all, filmmakers are born... & second of all, filmmakers are made (if not born).  But in order to be "made" you MUST work as a filmmaker and experience the work many times before you realize your shortcomings and you chose to overcome them.  If you do not chose to do this- you will not be nearly as great as a born filmmaker.  You must use proactive, confident action.  And you must be willing to smack your head up against a wall of indifference over and over.

So, my disclaimer means that my information will help you to acquire a measure of technical skill and a measure of efficiency- but it is no substitute for talent or for experience.  This is where you come in.  NO ONE can make you great or motivate you to be great.  Only you can do this all by your lonesome.

I will outline the kinds of help you will be getting here and within each section I will expand and add information as I have time to do so.

The Self-Taught Filmmaker Outline

1.  Advice on your Attitude

2.  Build a knowledge base

3.  Find a Place to Fit in

4.  Get to know the Film Community

5.  Get to know Film equipment

6.  Get to know the small business basics

7.  Create benchmarks and goals for yourself

8.  Advice on Success & Failure


 Part 1
Advice on your Attitude: Determination & Humility


I approach filmmaking just as I do with life... as an imperfect system.  I cannot expect others to do things for me just as I cannot expect that I wont have to do ALL of the work other people don't want to do & pick up all the pieces left from an organization where most people just "don't care".  This is basically the job of the Producer- to pick up where others leave off after they told you they wouldn't leave you holding the bag & they did anyway.  The Producers have to be the shepherds or the parents in the situation.  Don't be resentful about it- take the position that others leave behind- it is a great position of respect within the industry.  Regardless of any respect however, this is an industry rife with failures.  We all love to talk about the few successes- these things give us fuel to continue on- but we need to get used to failure as a normal state of being.  


My belief is that determination and humility are twin maxims that may give you success in this arena.  Determination keeps you plodding on and humility keeps you from losing patience or forgetting why you are there & what direction you are heading.  We can all fail to remind ourselves that our work can become rote & boring... yes, even filmmaking can become a dull, dull existence when we haven't made any money after a year of pain & bitterness... and (like I said) no money.  But, if we remind ourselves that there are constantly things to learn- constantly, new projects we can find ourselves stimulated by, constantly reminding ourselves that even really great filmmakers lose their edge and become yesterdays news, we can stay motivated.

Humility always reminds us that we are not superheroes or Gods, we are silly, silly fools... lucky just to have a voice and an audience at all.  Do everything with humility because it helps you to learn more which will put you on top of a great many filmmakers not content to live outside of their massive egos.  Instead we already know that we are not perfect & we do not mind being reminded of that fact.  Instead we are grateful for the chance to continue learning more.

Filmmaking is also a long arduous process so we need to be prepared for this long journey.  At least if we are humble we will be more patient with that process and with ourselves.  It helps us to remain stimulated and growing constantly towards better filmmaking.  


A helpful process of creating films for me is "Feel, Think, Do, Cooperate, Re-assess".  This means start out with pure emotion.  What stimulates you?  What makes you happy when you watch a film?  What kind of filmmaking process do you love the most?  Then, go with that gut- but be careful- the next step is "Think."  Think about "how" you are going to achieve this feeling in a smart way- so that it will be a successful endeavor- different from past projects of the same genre- more efficient, more creative, more raw.  Then, complete it with diligence, confidence, patience and passion-- this is the "do" step.  Then, remember that you MUST cooperate with your collaborators on making working, friendly, trusting relationships and executing the work that is most important to make this film as it should be.  Last of all "re-assess" what went well and what went badly. Make a list of things to fix next time and a list of things to NOT change (or the things you loved about the project).  You will be continually growing and learning from this process.


So...
Feel
Think
Do
Cooperate
Re-assess


Do all of these things with determination and humility.  Remember where you came from and where you are going before you head out on your journey. :)




Next up: Part 2 is about building a knowledge base.  There are numerous sources of information on the internet- but there are other areas you can mine for resources and help too.

Movies I Am Most Anticipating

The films I am most anticipating recently (there are so many great upcoming films I had to make this list!) from the most anticipated to least.  I can hardly wait- even for the least anticipated ones here!  So, here they are...


1. Super 8 by J. J. Abrams
2. The Hobbit by Peter Jackson
3. Prometheus by Ridley Scott
4. Arrested Development by Mitchell Hurwitz
5. Django Unchained by Quentin Tarantino
6. Kill Bill: Vol III by Quentin Tarantino
7. Pacific Rim by Guillermo Del Toro
8. Untitled Sci-Fi by Duncan Jones
9. The Dark Knight Rises by Christopher Nolan
10. Cowboys & Aliens by Jon Favreau
11. The Tree of Life by Terrence Malick
12. Bond No. 23 by Sam Mendes
13. Akira by ????
14. Robotech by ????
15. Elysium by Neill Blomkamp
16. Gravity by Alfonso Cuaron
17. Machine Man by Darren Aronofsky
18. Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by David Fincher
19. Untitled Project by Jim Jarmusch
20. World War Z by Marc Forster
21. Oz: the Great & Powerful by Sam Raimi
22. Corpus Christi by Richard Kelly
23. Machine Gun Preacher by Marc Forster
24. Neuromancer by Vincenzo Natali
25. Looper by Rian Johnson
26. Moonrise Kingdom by Wes Anderson
27. Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter by Timur Bekmambetov
28. ParaNorman by Chris Butler and Sam Fell
29. Trance by Danny Boyle
30. Project London by Ian Hubert
31. Jack the Giant Killer by Bryan Singer 
32. Adventures of Tintin by Stephen Spielberg
33. Brave by (Pixar's) Brenda Chapman and Marc Andrews
34. Cloud Atlas by the Wachowskis
35. General Orders No. 9 by Bob Persons
36. Tim & Eric's Billion Dollar Movie by Tim & Eric
37. Heart String Marionette by M Dot Strange
38. Total Recall by Len Wiseman
39. Dark Shadows by Tim Burton
40. Ecstasia by Wayne Kramer 
41. Ghostbusters III by Ivan Reitman
42. Battlestar Gallactica by Bryan Singer 
43. Ubik by Michel Gondry
44. Young Adult by Jason Reitman
45. Hesher by Spencer Susser



There may even be more of these, but for the life of me, I can't remember a time when there were so many upcoming films I was interested in... usually its maybe 5-10 per year?  Maybe?  Of course I'm aware that many of these won't come out this year and many of them may never even get made.  There's just so many!  This doesnt even include many films that are already released that I still need to watch.  Hmmmph.  I have my work cut out for me!  :)