Blood River

Nor Domingo · November 24, 2008

Thanks so much for this post. Just shows how much I still need to learn especially with shooting digital. SOme of the terms(knee, detail, etc) I still need to look up. I won't bother asking you what those are.

My question, actually is very simple. You said shooting exteriors you use bounce boards and white sheets. Is there a difference in quality between the bounce boards(Foam core?) and the white sheets?

Sing Howe Yam · November 26, 2008

Wow, this really blows me away. I haven't seen much shot like that and fool me that it was film. When I saw one of your first frames and then read it was shot on the F900 my jaw dropped.

Matthew Buick · November 26, 2008

At the risk of looking a real moron could I ask what 'knee' is. My HV30 has no manual control over it (obviously).

Stuart Brereton · November 26, 2008

Matthew, the Knee is the upper part of the 'characteristic curve' of Video (with film, it's called the Shoulder) The way that the Knee curves defines how suddenly whites clip into peak white. Traditionally, with video the curve is more of a hard angle, hence the nasty look of hot highlights, whereas with film the curve slopes much more gently into overexposure, giving film its' much valued smooth highlights.

I'm sure others can give you a far more technical explanation then I can.

Nor, there is no difference in the quality of light bounced off sheets or foamcore, but sheets are useful in that you can cover large area of ground and have actors walk over them, or they can be quickly folded up and fitted into spaces (like cars) where foamcore would be inconvenient.

Andrew Brinkhaus · November 26, 2008

Stuart, your trailer link is down.

Chris Keth · November 26, 2008

Stuart, your trailer link is down.

This one is on YouTube.

Matthew Buick · November 26, 2008

Matthew, the Knee is the upper part of the 'characteristic curve' of Video (with film, it's called the Shoulder) The way that the Knee curves defines how suddenly whites clip into peak white. Traditionally, with video the curve is more of a hard angle, hence the nasty look of hot highlights, whereas with film the curve slopes much more gently into overexposure, giving film its' much valued smooth highlights.

I'm sure others can give you a far more technical explanation then I can.

Nor, there is no difference in the quality of light bounced off sheets or foamcore, but sheets are useful in that you can cover large area of ground and have actors walk over them, or they can be quickly folded up and fitted into spaces (like cars) where foamcore would be inconvenient.

Thank you Stuart. That's a perfect explanation for me, not too technical, but still informative.

So, by increasing the latitude of the camera's knee you are softening the curve to a more film-like level. Ah! I get it now. Thanks a lot.

Boy if I had control over that I wouldn't have to underexpose my video so much, but I do like that low key look.

Stuart Brereton · November 26, 2008

Stuart, your trailer link is down.

try this

Blood River Trailer

Matthew Buick · November 26, 2008

Your cinematography was outstanding, but I doubt I'd watch it. It's not a happy film. And I can get easily depressed in winter.

Tim Terner · November 26, 2008

Really nice photography Stuart. Just a matter of time and luck 'till you get a big one to shoot

Nor Domingo · November 27, 2008

Nor, there is no difference in the quality of light bounced off sheets or foamcore, but sheets are useful in that you can cover large area of ground and have actors walk over them, or they can be quickly folded up and fitted into spaces (like cars) where foamcore would be inconvenient.

You are absolutely right! It never crossed my mind to have actors walk over the bounce instead of following them around with reflectors. And the CONVENIENCE!! I'm going to buy tons of white sheets!! HAhaha

Chris Keth · November 27, 2008

You are absolutely right! It never crossed my mind to have actors walk over the bounce instead of following them around with reflectors. And the CONVENIENCE!! I'm going to buy tons of white sheets!! HAhaha

They're nice to have around for shooting car scenes where you don't have a process trailer. You can cut and tape the sheet around in the car to help fill in.

Alex Wuijts · November 30, 2008

Hey Stuart, nice job! I have a question about the saturation level. Why would one lower the saturation in camera as opposed to in post?

Thanks and good luck with the film,

Stuart Brereton · December 1, 2008

I lowered the Saturation level because I feel that video always has an unnatural level of color, to my eye at least. I did it in camera to make sure it was done, rather than rely on the vagaries of post production, where too many other people have a say.

Stuart Brereton · March 17, 2009

Blood River just won The Gold Kahuna Award, Special Jury Prize, Audience Award and Best Actor Award at the Honolulu International Film Festival.

It's playing next at the Boston Underground Film Fest on Sat 21st March , at 7.45pm

Kieran Scannell · March 17, 2009

Congratulations Stuart!!

A little recognition goes a long way.

Kieran.

Chris Keth · March 17, 2009

Blood River just won The Gold Kahuna Award, Special Jury Prize, Audience Award and Best Actor Award at the Honolulu International Film Festival.

It's playing next at the Boston Underground Film Fest on Sat 21st March , at 7.45pm

Cool! I heard through the facebook grapevine that it was starting to be seen by people. Not long ago I was wondering what ever happened to BR.