Lance Boyle

So why, exactly are we required to display both names? Is it to counter the spam? Seems like much ado about nothing.

Lens flare + time lapse + music from Braveheart = "magical sun rings"

I'm looking for input on NCSotA. I was looking into it years ago when I graduated High School, but got sidetracked.

Anyone have any input for me on this school?

didn't know that, I guess some people I know will be quite disappointed

Well, I was just saying that, given the quality of the single workshops, the way you can design your own program and the very nature of this industry, why would you need a 3-year long academic program?

 

I guess it's my opinion is somehow biased, since I didn't get the chance to enroll in a film school (there's nothing like that in Italy), but I found the workshops such an amazing experience that I wouldn't consider an academic program at all.

I was interviewing about the one-year program, myself.

Great for focusing on walls behind the subject, or focus hunting in shot.

No kidding. I hate AF with a passion!

My source was someone from admissions who called me to tell me the news. I was supposed to have an interview but cancelled it when she said the next season of classes was cancelled.

Yes, they're still doing the short courses, but no academic classes.

She told me there were a some people in the pipeline for the fall that are now being turned away.

As far as the accreditation, they've been "working on it" for the better part of 10 years now. I don't see it being resolved anytime soon. I remember this was the problem when I finished High School back in 97. I wanted to apply for the Workshops, but couldn't afford it.

And they have very little financial aid. While I hear wonderful things about it, and I'm sure the price, while high, is worth it, I am not impressed with their business practices.

What? You guys don't use autofocus? Jeez, even my little GL2 has THAT!

:lol:

The Maine Film & Video Workshops has just cancelled it's academic program for the next year due to low enrollment.

My guess is it's because of their high prices, lack of accreditation, lack of financial aid available, and lack of a degree-awarding program.

I found THIS on BHphoto.com. It looks to have all the basics in a good monitor for a lot less than the other $1,000+ setups.

What should I look for in a monitor?

I'm in the market for a good SB program, since I can't draw, can't afford someone who can, and would like to do more specific planning of shots.

Anyone have any experience with this program, or suggest a program that works well?

Thanks.

FrameForge 3D Website

The manual says its frame rate is "close to that of a movie, this mode can be used to create a cinematic-like appearance."

It's supposed to record individual frames for capture, as opposed to interlaced images. It claims to increase vertical resolution by 1.5x

I couldn't see a difference. Is it an early precursor to 24P?

How would I best utilize this feature for maximum effect?

Thanks.

I have an Azden SGM-2X shotgun mic that I will be using to shoot a WWII battle scene, and later, an indoor scene in which the lead character fires a .45 in relatively close proximity to the mic.

 

Are gunshots bad for these mics, or are they built to handle the sound?

NOBODY knows? In the sound forum?

Hmmm...

It doesn't sound like he's necissarily planning on using the actual audio of the gunshot, it sounds more like he's worried about the adverse effect to his recording equipment. Am I correct? or will you be using the audio you take?

I was going to record the gunshot, and if it was usable, fine. If not, I'd have to get it from another source.

I have an Azden SGM-2X shotgun mic that I will be using to shoot a WWII battle scene, and later, an indoor scene in which the lead character fires a .45 in relatively close proximity to the mic.

Are gunshots bad for these mics, or are they built to handle the sound?

Famous last words.

 

Is using live ammo within the proximity of the lead actor really necessary? If it's all about getting the correct sound, and you absolutely insist on not using a pre-recorded sample, then you should at least record the sound of the gunshot separately...on a cleared set.

Ok, first of all I DO have the gun situation handled. I am VERY cautious around firearms and don't let anyone but me handle the blank guns. I have a lot of experience around guns, and am very professional. Experience with weapons is not an issue here.

The lead character is firing the gun in an enclosed space. The gun cannot fire live rounds, and the ammo is a blank load, NOT live ammo (i.e. firing a projectile) My question is, will it hurt the mic or not?

And I am very familiar with the tragedy on the set of "The Crow", and mistakes like that make us all very aware of the dangers of complacency.

Simple looking, which is good ... but the style is kind of amateur-ish, like it was designed by a high-schooler & not a professional. For example, since it's HTML all of the images show the empty 'image loading here' box until the images load.

 

The slickest sites I've seen lately are all flash driven. If the point is to sell your cinematography and/or production services then the website needs to look as professional as possible. Fair or not people judge your skills based upon surface appearances like websites.

 

Good Luck!

That's the kind of input I need. I had considered flash content, but I am running the whole production AND the website, so time is a factor, and I'd rather skimp on website quality than film quality.

Can you recommend good Flash software?

Thanks!

Is it bending the rules to submit a website for critique? I designed and published it myself, no third party involved. It was a creative effort that will showcase my film (now in production), so I want it to look as good as possible, be simple to navigate, and effectively convey my project.

What do you think of the layout? Anything missing? Anything difficult to use/understand?

Thanks in advance!

P.S. Production photos are being uploaded today, so if they're not there when you visit, try again in a little while.

My Webpage

Don't have an answer on the mic, but two things.

 

Do a LOT of research about how to do this safely - even blanks can kill.

 

Make sure everyone on the set is wearing serious ear protection.

 

Also there is a production sound forum here you might ask this in.

I've got the gun situation handled. I'm very proficient with firearms, and have plenty of hearing protection for everyone. We're even designing some earplugs that look like natural skin for the lead actor's closeups.

The WWII scene will be shot with reenactors, so they know their stuff too.

Good to mention, though. Lots of people are very complacent when it comes to weapons handling on set.

I have an Azden SGM-2X shotgun mic that I will be using to shoot a WWII battle scene, and later, an indoor scene in which the lead character fires a .45 in relatively close proximity to the mic.

Are gunshots bad for these mics, or are they built to handle the sound?

I have K3 also, and had a problem with the film slipping off the sprockets. It may have been a loading error on my part, but it was extremely aggravating to shoot for the next half hour and find that I hadn't been filming anything at all.

Where can you get extra lenses for the K3, anyhow?

Can someone recommend a good basic lighting kit? We have lights, but nothing very high quality. We have some flourescents, and plenty of incandescents, but I'd like to upgrade to a professional kit.

Thanks