Continuity for iPad

Know any Scripty's?  Continuity is probably not ready for prime time but one to keep your eye on this app.  iPad only.

http://continuity.n00bdev.com/

http://www.ipadappsdude.com/continuity-utilities/

Chinese 3D Porn

Finally, proof that 3D is not a fad: Chinese 3D porn.

You can't even make up stuff like this...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/apr/06/china-3d-porn-film-released

TechnoJib

Looking for something like a TechnoCrane but lighter, cheaper and can be operated by one person?

The TechoJib comes in two sizes:  The TechnoJib 15 with a 9' reach and the TechnoJib 24' with 15' of extension.

The jib can telescope out at a rate of 5' per second, fast enough to knock any grip or talent to the ground in less than 3 seconds!

The west coast contact is http://www.telescopicjib.com/

AE: Creating An Audience With One Person

A neat little After Effects tutorial.

http://ae.tutsplus.com/tutorials/vfx/creating-a-full-audience-with-depth-from-one-person/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+aetuts+%28Aetuts%2B%29

Luminair ipad/iphone app

The Luminair ipad app almost makes me want to be a Lighting Director again.  No more dimmer board 'cause you carry it around in your pocket.

Thru DMX you can control a Universe (512 channels) with a single ipad.   512 channels sounds like a lot but these days lights use multiple channels, 23 channels for a moving light and 3 channels for each LED light.  But these are grouped so you can change colors instantly with a simple picker.

I was talking to an LD for the Food Network who now has to use two separate Universes to light his show.  He has one ipad/Universe just for moving lights and another ipad/Universe for LED washes and tungsten sources.

Plus, he has two more in back-up running blacked out in case the primary ipads freeze on him... which has happened to him on a live show.  I've been there!  He simply unblacks the back-ups and runs the show on those.  So, a dimmer board with 1024 channels and a back-up dimmer board for $2400 bucks... the price of 4 ipads.

While he runs his own board in the booth, his gaffer is on the floor with the iphone app, focusing lights, etc.

Manufacturers are just starting to make lights with built in routers so each is like a mini-computer that can be controlled wirelessly.  Then all you have to do is figure out how to make those lights battery powered and we'll never have to run a cable again!

Check out the videos on the website and on youtube.  This one will lead you to a bunch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5yJQ8RzIZ0&feature=related

http://synthe-fx.com/products/luminairipad
http://synthe-fx.com/products/luminair

More on FCP X

Larry Jordan gives a better report on the new FCP X.  He brings up a bunch of stuff I never knew like no matter how much ram you have in your computer FCP 7 was never designed to use more than 4GB.

FCP X is a whole new animal but that triggers bigger questions such as will my FCP 7 project open up in X?  Like Larry says, it's not only what they're talking about but what they're not talking about.

http://www.larryjordan.biz/app_bin/wordpress/archives/1452#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=feed

Black Magic Hyperdeck Shuttle

OK, this is a little cheaper.  Still uses the expensive but fast SSD (more expensive than cards) but the drive unit it cheap, just $345.

http://www.blackmagic-design.com/products/hyperdeckshuttle/

FCP X

Why is it called FCP X?  Because it's not a new version of the old FCP.  It's completely new, made to take full advantage of newer computer technology.  Plus, it's only $299.

Note there's no mention of "Studio".  No Color, no Soundtrack but perhaps that's all ready built in.  Available in June.

http://philipbloom.net/2011/04/13/new-apple-64-bit-final-cut-pro-x-announced-for-299-available-in-june/

Script Cops

Script Cops.  I do love the bit at 3:39... or does it make me a little nervous?

http://vimeo.com/7027154

Mini Skater

The Mini Skater is new take on an old idea.  I've always just used a skate board or put the camera on a blanket and pulled it around but this can be much more precise.

See the degree markings around the wheels?  There's a chart that tells you at what angle to set the wheels to  get a certain dolly circumference.  This means repeatable dollies around a point.

Plus, there's a quick way to adjust the tilt.  But you still can't tilt while shooting.  Pretty cool demo reel...

http://www.budgetvideo.com/detail.php?prod=47799dcf15bd3&sub=44a8523202cea

Top 10 Dying Industries

For those of you planning to spend money on post stuff at NAB... like FCP whatever.  Well, at least I'm not in newspapers or clothing manufacturing.  And I really did get out of post back in 1994.

I do love the guy's rant at the bottom of the blog....

http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2011/03/28/top-10-dying-industries/

Sony F65 8Kx2K Sensor Camera

Sony has announced its newest CineAlta camera featuring an 8K x 2K chip. That gives the new 8K CMOS inside a total pixel count of 20.4 million pixels, far more than the roughly 8.8 million pixels of the current 4K x 2K sensors in other existing cameras on the market (read RED). 

The new sensor size obviously also brings with it higher color reproduction and resolution than can be captured by those other 4K sensors (read RED). But don't confuse sensor size, pixel density and resolution with the recording format. The images are still recorded and output in 16-bit RAW 4K (16:8:8)!

It is unofficially called the "F65." The official name will be released at NAB, where Sony will be showing a prototype along with a 1 TB SR memory card that can hold up to 60 minutes of content shot at 24 fps (more on that new card below, in the HDCAM-SR section). At the time, executives estimated the camera would begin shipping in early summer. 


www.studiodaily.com/main/technology/newgear/13027.html

Shooting News With The iPad

A news station does a shootout between a Varicam and an iPad.  Okay, we all know the P2 looks better but it doesn't have a built in transmitter like an iPad.  I can see Anderson Cooper carrying one around in some Middle East country.

To see the future, click the link, link clickers...

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvspy/wkrg-tests-ipad-2-against-traditional-news-camera_b7913?c=rss

Sony NEX-FS100

The NEX-FX100 is Sony's answer to the Panasonic AF100.  The Sony FX100 has been described as a combination of EX-1 and DSLR with it's Super 35mm sensor, XLR inputs, headphone jack, etc.  The FX100 records the usual AVCHD to cheap SD cards and can also record uncompressed 4:2:2 from the full size HDMI connector.

Your first question is how much and when?  It priced like the Pansonic 100 and was slated to be available late summer/early fall, but we'll see if the earthquake changes that.  My first question is why they both have to call their cameras the 100.  I guarantee this will cause some confusion.

Watch the demo, it's really informative.  And watch the rock video at the end.  The DOF is great but I'm not crazy about how it handles highlights and the bokeh of that lens.  The overall picture looks filmish but the highlights scream video.

http://blog.planet5d.com/2011/03/hot-first-video-from-the-just-announced-sony-nex-fs100e-–-digital-super-35mm/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Planet5dBlog+%28Planet5D+Blog%29

Tape Stock Shortage

Is it time to start hoarding tape stock?  And camera parts?

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/could-electronic-equipment-shortages-caused-by-japan-disaster-hinder-tv-news-operations_b58321?c=rss

5D Magic Lantern 5.0 Firmware

Magic Lantern AJ5.0 Firmware for the 5D that gives you zebras, false color, headphone jack and a bunch of other stuff.

Tempting... but still a Beta version.

http://www.movingimagecork.net/2011/03/19/magic-lantern-v2-for-canon-5dmk2/

http://blog.planet5d.com/2011/03/fantastic-new-magic-lantern-canon-eos-5d-mark-ii-firmware-version-announced/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Planet5dBlog+%28Planet5D+Blog%29

SideKick HD

Something I've heard about from a couple of different sources is the SideKick HD from Fast Forward Video.  It's a portable digital video recorder with HDSDI and HDMI inputs/outputs that captures 4:2:2/10 bit video straight to Pro Res.  What's also cool is it has a built in 4" LCD monitor.

The bad news?  It cost $2500 bucks.  The even worse news?  It uses removable 2.5 SATA solid state drives that cost $867.95 a piece... and that's at B&H!

http://www.ffv.com/products/high-definition/sidekick-hd/

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/755016-REG/Fast_Forward_Video_301_TA090_1_sideKick_HD_Portable_Digital.html

Manos: Hands of Fate

For those of you who bemoan how things have changed, not shooting film anymore or that all web video is crap I give you Manos:  Hands of Fate.  Which translates into Hands: Hands of Fate.  Check out that lipsync, the whole film was looped.

Makes you feel better about your work now, doesn't it?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBAMDPLo70o

And listen to the Torgo Dance, if you dare.  If only this was a ringtone.  It's stuck in my head now and will be stuck in yours all weekend...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HW5GbHShsjY&feature=related

Zylight IS3

The Zylight IS3 caught my eye, specifically this knob on the back of the Zylight IS3.

Sure, you can adjust intensity and color temp but you can also control plus and minus green.  Nice!

http://www.zylight.com/servlet/Page?template=p_i_is3

lynda.com

I was having a discussion last night about "free" tutorials on youtube.com vs. linda.com.  And then this crossed my desktop this morning:

Beware Bad FCP Tutorials
http://www.studiodaily.com/blog/?p=5693

Does everyone know about lynda.com?   It's a website that has video tutorials on just about every program anyone in production and post-production uses.

It can be a lifesaver, especially in the wee hours of the night when you're on deadline and have a problem you just can't figure out how to solve.  Or you know you've done something before but it's been a year since you did it and can't remember how you did it.  And this always happens about midnight when it's too late to call west coast friends and too early to call people in the east.

I'm not getting paid or have some affiliate program or own stock in the company.  But at least go to the site and bookmark it for some late night.  And check with your friends to see if anybody already subscribes, not that I'm saying that you should use that friends account.  That would be wrong.  Like downloading songs for free and I know none of you would do that.

http://www.lynda.com/Member.aspx

Segway Dolly Shots

A DP in South Carolina is using a modified Segway to get some pretty cool shots in this Demo.

He swears he isn't using a Steadicam (which I've seen used with Segways before) but he's got to be using something, especially since you lean to move the Segway and the horizon stays level enough in the shots.  I'm guessing he's using one of these things while riding.

I'd love to see a shot of him working the Segway.

http://www.vimeo.com/21024469

Technicolor To Open New Film Lab In Glendale

I read this headline and thought film isn't dead, yet.

Then I read deeper into the article and it turns out the new lab will replace the much larger Technicolor lab at Universal Studios that is shutting down in June.  About 100 of the 360 workers laid off will be re-hired at the new lab.  Yikes.  No matter how they word it that still means 260 people will be out of a job.

The new lab will focus (pun intended?) on 70mm prints which are still in high demand thanks to IMAX.

Film isn't dead but it gets closer each day...

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2011/02/technicolor.html

Lumix FX77 Beauty Retouch Mode

The new Panasonic Lumix FX77 has a "Beauty Retouch Mode" that lets you clear skin blemishes, whiten teeth, lift cheeks, emphasize eyes and add make-up right in the camera.

Use the touch screen to change what you think needs fixing.  Why wait for post?

How soon until this is in every camera?

http://www.petapixel.com/2011/03/02/panasonic-lumix-fx77-can-whiten-teeth-and-apply-makeup-to-faces/

Multiplying Actors in Post

A good "How'd-They-Do-That" article about Multiplying Actors in FCP and AE.

What's interesting is the green treadmill.

 And it's the color correction that really gives the shot it's cold Battle of the Bulge feel.  You don't have to shoot in the snow and the mud!

Watch the trailer but be sure to scroll down and read the article.


http://www.studiodaily.com/filmandvideo/currentissue/Multiplying-Soldiers-in-Final-Cut-and-After-Effects_12954.html.

Cineroid EVF

A review on the Cineroid EVF

I don't like the separate battery but it looks like a good product... with a terrible name.

http://vimeo.com/20020137

Chicken Powered Steadicam

Here's science at work:  The Chicken Powered Steadicam.

What's attracted my attention was the camera:  The 808.  If you think the GoPro is too expensive, this is the camera for you.  The cheapest I found it was $13 bucks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adlgpovEv7g&feature=related
http://www.wordplop.com/2010/10/15/the-808-keychain-micro-camera/
http://www.meritline.com/car-keys-micro-camera-camera---p-45412.aspx?source=fghdac

Sony F3 Firmware Upgrade Cost

The Sony PMW-F3 costs a whopping $16,000 (you could buy 3 AF-100's for the same money) but is supposed to be worth the cost because of the S-log and dual link option.  What Sony doesn't mention is the firmware upgrade to get these functions was going to cost more.

Sony just tweeted the cost of the firmware upgrade.   To get the dual link RGB, S-log, 3G, and 9 pre-loaded LUTS to monitor the S-log is going to run you another $3500 bucks.

Here's a little more about the advantages of S-Log.

The biggest disadvantages are you do have to color correct everything in post and I've read that when you use S-Log mode you loose a stop.



http://twitter.com/CineAltaNews/status/42450178967474176

http://provideocoalition.com/index.php/sony/story/log_rolling_with_the_sony_f3/

Epic Test Footage

Epic M8 Test Footage worth watching... and the camera doesn't look bad either.

http://www.freshdv.com/2011/02/epic-beauty-footage.html

Furio Dolly

The Furio is a motorized dolly with a telescopic lift and a remote head that can run on straight or curved track only 16" wide.  This is great for directors trying to hide cameras in other camera's shots.

But it doesn't come cheap.  It rents from anywhere between $1200-1700 a day, plus operator.  But now you can shoot award shows and you don't have to wear black...

Tower Cam

Here's a camera support system you'll probably saw on the Oscars operated by my old friend Dave Eastwood.

The Standard Tower Cam can go from 5'-15' as fast as 3' per second while carrying 132 pounds (I guess that means I can't ride along).   You can also hang the Tower Cam upside down from the grid so the camera comes down.

There's also different sizes:  The Tower Cam XS is 3'-5, the FX is 6'-16' and the Tower Cam XL goes 10' to a whopping 32'.

Finally, there is the CruiseCam, a remote controlled motor assisted dolly.  You can mount a Tower Cam onto the CruiseCam for complete remote operation, like a Furio, but the Cruise Cam can also be controlled by a riding operator via a foot pedal.

He's rents these along with all his jibs and Steadicams.  Check out his website at http://www.fluidpicturesinc.com/

Field of View Calculator

Here's somehting handy, the AbleCine Field of View Calculator.

Not only does it compare Field of View for just about every popular camera but shows a Sensor Size Overlay, gives the dimensions of the sensors and tells you the crop factor in both directions.

http://www.abelcine.com/fov/

Canon RC-6

My buddy Jeff Vasquez has been working on a Stand Up Paddle Movie and has been getting some great stills and video using his Canon 7D and some very long glass.

Telephoto lenses not only magnify the image but every time you touch the tripod or camera.  Jeff found that every time he started the camera he would get a little vibration at the head of each shot from pushing the start button.  I've heard others are having the same problem.

A cheap solution is the Canon RC-6 remote control.  Only $30 bucks MSRP and even less at B&H and Amazon.  But the trick is the IR sensor is on the front of the camera.  I've been told the IR signal will bounce off the walls in a small room so you can start the camera from behind.  But outside you'll need to hold the remote in your lens hand.  Tie it off to the camera and after starting the camera just let go of the remote.  Or at least that's the theory...

http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_10051_246251_-1

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&N=0&Q=&Ntt=%2Bcanon+Rc-6+Remote&A=endecaSearch

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-RC-6-Wireless-Controller-Digital/dp/B0037NX6JY

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001483690867&ref=ts

http://www.vasquezstudios.com/

Tilt Shift Taco App

After playing with Brad Hagen's AF-100 over at Video Resources we went to lunch.  Brad had previously told me about this cool Tilt Shift App for the iphone and I had downloaded the free version.  When the food came instead of eating hot food we took pictures of our plates.  That's what happens when DP's go to lunch together.

I decided to use the window to backlight my taco and used a white paper napkin leaned against my water glass to fill.  I thought I was pretty cool until I saw Brad using the chrome napkin dispenser as a reflector...

Check out Brad's Blog, The Happy Fork and see what he had for lunch and more of the Tilt Shift app.

http://artandmobile.com/tiltshift/

http://www.thehappyfork.com/