John Carreon

I agree...looks like video but it looks fine...I don't see any bad pixelation... Maybe a little make-up...but beyond that it looks like a relatively well lit...in focus shot... John

I think that might be a cool effect of actually taking a lense off mid scene and replacing it with another one...if you could do it quickly enough and have the focus set already and everything... Some weird little abstract moment...of course it could be complete crap...who knows...just keep my fingers out of the shot... If you can remember those movies, Daniel...it would be much appreciated...I'd love to see it... Thanks, John

I think there is a big difference between watching a movie as an mpeg over the computer and going to see it projected on film (or even digitally) on the big screen...I think it's gonna be a long time before the internet takes over...though it might seem inevitable. Actually last friday, THE JANITOR, a Horror/Comedy movie that I wore many different hats on...was screened on www.horrorchannel.com. At the same time there was an open chat about the movie. It was interesting to watch...the quality was poop but it was still cool to have it out there for more people to see...which is why we made it. I don't know where I was going with this response...if you're planning on shooting for the internet you have to keep that in mind. No need to shoot on film if your projecting on a 16 inch quicktime screen. Most people will be hard pressed to tell the difference... Ramble...ramble...ramble... John

I know this is a "cinematography" forum so I should be thinking visually but... Napolean Dynamite...so strange and original. Groundhogs Day (although that was about 12 years ago) I agree on...Eternal Sunshine (I'll include the rest of Charlie Kaufman's movies too) I'm big on all Wes Anderson movies...although he said he was inspired by "The Magnificent Ambersons" for The Royal Tenenbaums (please excuse my random use of the "...") Also...King Kong...was pretty original...who'd of thought that a monkey could get that big?!? Being COMPLETELY original is a tall order and doesn't necessarily mean it's gonna be good...I think the cycle of humanity (thoughts and feelings) are pretty common...so being able to tell the universal story in a new, creative way is impressive enough in itself. I have this idea for a sort of "The Matrix" meets "The Passion of the Christ"...I think it's gonna kick ass... Also check out www.JANITORMOVIE.com it's so original that it's not... Thanks, John

Most film schools (caveat: At least the ones I attended and looked into attending) don't expect you to finish to film anymore because of the extra cost. You cut out the extra post pruduction costs of negative cutting and getting a projectable print made...and you almost have enough money to shoot another short. It's unfortunate because the student is left somewhat in the dark about these last few steps in film production, but I think learning the craft behind actually shooting the project, and editing it, is what is more important...at least in the beginning stages of the education. Another unfortunate aspect was that before I graduated I noticed only a handful of people were shooting on actual film...a sad, sad day... John

Hey everyone, I've used a wireless Modulus when AC'ing on Super 16 and I wanted to make one for my personal use when I shoot on Prosumer DV cameras (i.e. XL2, HD-FX1) Searching on the web I saw lot's of wireless video transmitters ranging from $40-$250 bucks... http://www.shopzilla.com/8B--Video_Accesso...id--21453102734 Something along the lines of those...has anyone ever used these or something else. Seems feasible but I just wanted to get some feedback if anyone has used these. I imagine the only problem is powering up the modulus that's exporting the signal from the camera to the receiver...either somehow from the camera itself or another battery pack...I just don't want it to get too bulky because then you might as well just have cables dragging around. Thanks everyone, John

True...but who isn't familair with with high frequency magnetics? Man, I feel so dumb at times... John

Prosumer Digital cameras are readily available...XL-2, HD-FX1, DVX100, so many people buy these and want to shoot stuff on them...if you can't find a up and coming DP (or student) willing to loan his services and equipment for free...or for a very nominal fee then you're not looking hard enough. I just had a DV Feature that I shot recently released on DVD and we got almost everything for free or damn well close to it...the internet is the best tool an independent filmmaker has at his disposal. Go to your local film schools and ask around, put up flyers, go to craigslist.com, you'll be able to find a camera, if not all your equipment, for free... We shot a feature for 1/4 of what you're saying and somebody paid us money for it...find dedicated people willing to work and you can make anything happen... Good luck...and really don't pay for anything that you can get for free... John Carreon

Thanks, I appreciate the response...I've been bouncing around on the net doing some research and it looks like a really decent light to have on hand. Considering I got it for free...I am definitely satisfied. Thanks again, John By the way...awesome pics on your website...I wanna go buy a motorcycle now...really cool stuff...

I was thinking an assortment of chinese lanterns lit with candles (or lamps pretending to be candles)...all different colors and designs could add some cool color and texture to the background. Hanging or sitting on the ground just strewn all over the place...that's it...I'm stealing this idea from myself for myself... Wherever you're at just go to the nearest ChinaTown and drop $40 bucks and you should be good...or IKEA they might have some cool stuff too...and you can always return the stuff to IKEA after the shoot...IKEA's returns policy is a Godsend for low budget set designers everywhere... Good luck!!! John

Hey, I just got my hands on a PhotoFlex Starlight capable of using 500W-1000W tungsten bulbs. I think they're mostly used for Still Photography but I was wondering if anyone has used them for film/video... Should I invest in a few bulbs? The 1000W look like they run about $70 bucks...I think I'll need to get another paper route. Thanks, John

So I have the opportunity to shoot a commercial for a company that wants to air it on basic cable and stuff like that. We're probably gonna be shooting on a VariCam and and the Sony HD FX1 (or whatever there new HDV Cam is called) for B-Roll. The scenario is 3 guys, 3 girls poolside, bbq'ing, witty banter follows and crap like that. Nothing outrageous. So bounce boards, reflectors, maybe a big silk to cut out some of the harsher sunlight...what else would you gentlemen recommend?!? An HMI to kick in some extra light where needed?!? Budget is pretty slim...so keep that in mind... I haven't shot outside as much as I would have liked...I know I have to worry about the background blowing out and stuff like that... But I would love some suggestions, or horror stories that could help me stir up a few new ideas to make a low budget commercial look much nicer. Thanks, any and all info will be much appreciated. John Carreon P.S. I don't if any of you have seen this but check out http://bravia-advert.com/ it's a cool little commercial by Sony...it's all concept, but it is magical...(but not in a gay way)

Hey People, I was just flipping through the channels earlier and MTV had a marathon of Laguna Beach; The Real O.C. on. I've heard of the show but never watched it because...well, I have certain moral standards reguarding crap...but I watched a bit and I liked the look of it...I was just wondering if anybody knew what they shot in on?!? I swear I don't watch it...although that one guy is dreamy... Thanks, John

I was working as a P.A. for this show on ESPN and they bumped me up to do there "on the go" shots with the panasonic 24p camera....now my question: The director has been shouting out..."I want a 2 shot" "I want a 6 shot" "Gimme a 4 shot" I have no idea what the F&@$!!! He's talking about...I went to film school...I read all sorts of magazines (not just porns)...and I can't remember anything in reference to this... I know a 2 shot could be considered a wide shot to get 2 people into frame but what if there are more or less people...and what the hell is a 6 shot? Please help cuz I've been making stuff up for the first day and I didn't want to ask him unless totally necessary... Thanks, John

Sorry for such a rudimentary question fellas but when viewing an old tape through the viewfinder is it possible and how do I go about bringing up the original date and time onto the screen? Thanks

I was wondering if someone could explain the quality difference between DigiBeta and HD? I'd appreciate it... John

What's the quality difference between Digibeta and HD? Resolution and stuff like that... Try not to use too much techno babble cuz I'm dumb Thanks... John

Everyone seems to be interested in making their own cheap versions of egg crates... I know Kino Flo's have 'em...I was just wondering what the benefits are to having them? Do they just soften the light? Give it a little more texture? just wondering...thanks John

Now I'm guessing by balancing halfway you mean in video to White balance on a slightly warm or cool card...but in film how would you go about doing this? By gelling the lights? I'm stupid... Thanks..