Ricardo Diaz

Superman. Williams score to the first film fit the character like spandex and tight underwear. Everything from the rousing fanfare to the beauty of the fields in Smallville. It's a shame Ottman couldn't do the same with the recent film. But in terms of visuals to sound it was almost perfect. Thats my opinion of course.

Just moved to LA from Texas. Yeah its pretty nerve wrecking but as badly as I want it I understand that there is always a very large and TALENTED pool of applicants. I wish you the best over the next couple of weeks.

I did, I am anxiously awaiting a phone call for a possible interview.

Be nice, be mean, just say what you think. I really appreicate it guys. Rick's Reel 07 Ricardo Diaz

For exteriors I like to use shower curtain or highlight as I hear it called. It softens sunlight well while still maintaining some intensity like the sun should. Also it has wonderful fall off. It's also not paper therefore it is relatively noiseless. Personal preference of course. Doesnt cut alot of light either.

I think it looks lovely. You have a gift for landscape photography. Something J.P. taught you? I kid. I would love to see more from you. Or maybe just a call once in awhile!

I have a co-worker who worked on several of Rodriguez films as steadicam operator and while he did not often work (ghost operator they called him) he was still credited as steadicam operator. I am to assume that Rodriguez did it himself but he still gave him credit.

I too have many of the same questions mentioned above. With the deadline approaching can anyone shed some light on those questions?

Thank you everyone for the response and feedback. The solution that i have come to with the advice from the original DoP and all your help is to simply shoot a framechart. Panavision Dallas is sending a Super35 2.40 groundglass that we will place in the camera. Unfortunately it is oversized so i wont be able to see the left frame edge but the gentleman James Finn (Panie Dallas) said that it is not to far from where it cuts off. Then we shoot a frame chart letting the transfer house know what my frame is top and bottom and right side. Then they will extract the 2.40 in post. Yes we will loose a lil image quality due to the smaller neg area but its the only option that the producers are willing to spend. Please guys any feedback, comments, warnings, or notes you would like to give me would be really appreciated. To answer you question Jon yes they figure they can extract the 2.40 in post. Apparently they shot two or three pick ups a month ago with the camera and simply extracted it from the R35 frame. Unfortunately you can tell that the framing in those shots were botched and cropped that they cut off important details due to framing it with the 1.85 groundglass. The production is desperately trying to pinch pennies at this point its clear. The original DoP has MORE than enough pull to get all the proper equipment from Panie Dallas for free if he wanted but for whatever reason they went with, well, me. I imagine to pinch ALOT of pennies. Anyway I hope to do the film and DoP justice by turning in great pieces. And yes Max the school is not likely to switch the camera to S35. It was discussed and was promptly shot down by their department. Understandable as it is their sole MOS 35mm camera. Because of that its booked throughout the semester and cant take it away from students who are shooting their films so they can upgrade it. Thanks again guys, Rick

So I have been asked to shoot a title sequence for a film shot 3perf Super 35/2.35. The problem is I have been given an arri 35-3 standard 35mm to shoot with. I am in Texas. So my first question is how do I get the proper frame without turing the camera to super35 and recentering the optics. If that is my only option does anyone know of someone here in Texas like Texcam or MPS who can do it. Or would it just be easier to rent another camera altogther? The problem is that the producers are getting the camera for free from a local University and dont want to pay for a rental. Please help me out as this is my first foray into S35. Thanks. Ricardo

Superman was better. In my opinion. Once I let it sink in i will write a more full report.

I have seen the film three times now, twice in 35mm and once Digitally projected. I may not be a professional like many of you fine gentlemen on these boards but to my eye the difference is significant. The DLP projection was far and above better than both film prints I saw. To me it felt more like film origination when I saw it DLP then when I saw it on film. The colors were brighter the image sharper the digtal artifacts (especially in the kent farm scene and the kitty/superman hospital scene) not nearly as apparent (possibly made worse by the grain of the film print?). To refernce somone eariler, the only thing that gives it away is the moments of digital smear or blur during some of the non CGI flight scenes. I think that this camera is a great improvement over past HD cams but I feel like in order for them to move in that direction it would also need to be projected accordingly. I insist that many of you check it out at your local DLP theater and let me know if you felt the same way. Also do it because I am a huge Superman geek and the weekend numbers havent done well! Anyway watch it the way it was meant to be watched, digitally.

See and I hear that so often. On both films he was relatively harmless. Aside from like a said a few things said and a small ego trip he took with the director away from the cast and crews eyes. Maybe so, maybe lightning struck twice.

Recently got a chance to work on a film with both Mary Steenburgen and Joe Mantenga. They were fantastic. Mary was a sweetheart and a very hard worker along with Mantegna. Also, worked with the David and Keith Carradine and boy is David a pro. He is so social and funny when the cameras are away but when they face him he hits his marks and rarely complained. Got to work with Gary Busey on two films as well and he is just a riot. Some of the things that come out of his mouth just make your side split. Wasnt a problem like some people said he would be but he can say some inappropriate things. I also got to meet Ben Stiller. He wasnt working that day on set he was visiting his wife Christine Taylor who was. Very funny guy in real life and is so much shorter than he looks on screen. He was a very geniune person along with his gorgeous wife. No primamadonnas yet thank goodness.

Thanks guys. I appreciate the honesty. I am gonna go back to the cutting room and get it down to about 2:30. I was hoping to get an idea of the pieces people liked and didnt so I can continue cutting. I agree about the song. I will find something a little more upbeat and involving. Anyone else got any suggestions?

Its rough at this point and I know its a bit to long(4m:30sec). I wish I had a website to upload the higher quality quicktime file but what are you gonna do. Any construtive critiques would be freaking awesome. I just finished up school so I am still young and eager to learn. enjoy. or dont. whatever. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6tJMEMBZKQ

I am about to graduate from UT and I had a great experience in their film department. But as I understand it you cant minor in RTF. You can be a RTF major and do business foundations or get a minor in something else. I would reccomend the RTF with business foundations. Also get very involved with the Burnt Oragne/UT film institute. Its on the job training, that can got me contacts with local film professionals and several paid jobs in everything from production, locations, and my favorite camera. Good luck on your decision and Hook'em.

The trailer is up in HD at Apple Trailers. The film looks really good and the Genesis might have its day.

Well, back to the topic. After seeing that clip online with the Superman footage in it I am really stoked for this film. It seems very moody and desaturated which I think is a really interesting choice for a Superman movie. The full trailer will be out with MI3 and Ill more than likely watch it at my local DLP theater. Should be sweet.

awesome! Thanks

David which issue is it that discusses Unsworth's work on Superman: The Movie? I would pay anything for that issue so I can PM the original poster for it. It's the film that inspired me to want to be a cinematographer. Thanks.