James Blann

Hi all, I've always liked the look of Super Baltar lenses and I may be shooting a short that they would be perfect for in the next month. They seem to be pretty rare though, especially here in the UK but I was wondering if anyone knew where I could look? I noticed that one short called 'Drop' made in 2008, shot by Tom Debenham used them (I think) so figure there must be some around. They'd need to be PL mount too to fit onto an adapted RED. I feel the chances are slim but worth a try! Thanks in advance. James Blann

Hi all, It seems like a bit of a cliche question really but when I did a search I couldn't find a specific answer. I just re-watched In the Mood for Love and just as many many other people I was again blown away by the look of it. I've basically always wanted to know how that look was achieved, just the basic look of the colour, the contrast and the almost softness about the picture. I'd be really interested to know the lenses used, film processing and lighting techniques etc...not so I can copy them, I just want to know :) I hope this isn't just treading over very old ground. Cheers.

Hi everyone, I recently got through to the final 12 in the Guild of British Camera Technician's trainee scheme recruitment process. At the end of April i'm going to have to do a 6 day camera familiarisation course that will involve an assessment that will eventually determine the final 6 who will become GBCT camera trainees. A lot of the others seem MUCH more experienced than me and i'm worried that i'm going to look like I have no idea what i'm doing in comparison, i'm surprised I made it this far! Is there anything that I could do to tip the balance in my favour despite the gap in experience and current knowledge? Any advice would be great as i'm pretty nervous. cheers, James Blann

Thanks guys that seems like very sound advice! I know the skillset site has a very decent job profile section so i'll take another look over that and refresh myself on formats etc on here. Jobs a goodun'. Thanks again!

Hi all, I've got an interview for the camera trainee scheme at the Guild of British Camera Technicians this Thursday and I really don't want to stuff it up! All i've been told is that it should last no longer than an hour so i'm not really sure what to expect. In terms of preparation i'm just re-aquainting myself with my favourite films/DPs/genres/lighting styles etc and i'm taking along a small number of my own stills. If any of you have been through similar interview situations then i'd really like to hear what I might possibly be asked, I haven't had a proper interview since......well ever really. Cheers! James Blann - nervous man

Hi all, After doing a theoretical film BA degree I can't afford to go straight into another three years of practical. Does anybody out there know of any good (and fairly short and hopefully inexpensive) year to two year courses in Europe that are intensively practical? Thanks very much.