Nick NormanButler

I'm selling my AC magazine collection cheap as I don't have enough space in the house. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/222249214395?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649 Bids welcome, proportion of the sales goes to charity, collection only. Cheers Nick NW8 London

It looked as if the background almost rippled whereas she (Carey) stayed still as normal. Been bugging me, that's all

Can anyone tell me what effect, in camera or otherwise, I saw on the penultimate shot of 'Never Let Me Go' (dir. Mark Romanek). It's the shot where Carey Mulligan stands by the wire fence looking out over the field. Something very strange happened to the background...don't think I've seen this before...? Thanks Nick in London

Morning all, I am starting a corporate project that will require the firm's employees from all across the world to record and send me video footage of themselves, recorded with their webcams. Due to time differences I won't be able to be online with them so they need to be able to do this all off their own back. Plus, I want a nice clean frame with only them in it, no small me in the corner. Does anyone have recommendations on best programmes or apps to use for this. Ideally I want to receive quicktime files from all of them. (BTW If you haven't seen this inspirational video, I recommend it: http://vimeo.com/5545069) Thanks all. Nick

Hi there, Just moved to France and wondering what best kit hire places are for digital shoots. South-West area if possible but Paris is OK! Thanks! Nick Director/Camera France Reel online: www.pbshowfolio.com/profile/nickn-b

Just wondered if there was something as good as this website, as a resource for Directors? Somewhere where one can exchange story telling techniques, tips on working with actors, editing, music, scripting references and all other things directing. Thanks, Nick

Hello there, A neighbour found this russian camera in storage and has offered it to me for sale. Any ideas on what it is? Make? Value? Its in perfect working order. Many thanks, Nick

Hi Aideen, I ended up doing it on the cheap: taking apart a second hand travelator and painting it green but I did find these guys in research who may offer some tips? http://www.hirefitness.co.uk/film_event_hire.php?id=18 Joking aside you could also contact the production company that does 'Gladiators' and see where they get their famous travelators from? Good luck Nick

Hi there, While working as a director I have a developed a new cinematography product that I hope will be of some benefit to all. It has been prototyped, tested and has a patent pending but I would like to see what other potential users think of it? So, if you have 5 minutes I would be very grateful for your frank answers to the questions in this survey (it only has 19 questions!): http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=CCsI...K0Le3yi4w_3d_3d Your help will be very useful for me, to decide whether to build more and go ahead! All answers are confidential. Many thanks, Nick

This glow graffiti paint might work: http://www.suck.uk.com/product.php?rangeID=117

thanks Ram...great video & really useful for me to watch it too!

Thanks Ram, Looks great! Do you have a link to the video itself? Cheers, Nick

I have a shot I need to do which involves someone walking against a green screen. I've thought about using the treadmills in a gym but they have too much paraphenalia in the way like the distance/calorie burner display panel which will get in my (mid) shot. Does anyone know another way of doing this? Ideally I need a treadmill without all that stuff. Thanks, Nick

Thanks guys. Some really good tips there and I appreciate the photos too. Nick

Here's a real zero budget solution that I found works quite well. It won't completely eliminate movement but if you don't mind some you could try it: Get a sling of some sort (I used the shoulder strap for my HDW-750) and thread it over the top of the front seat sun visor. Tighten accordingly. You'll still need to have the camera on your shoulder but it becomes much easier to keep steady with the extra support. Oh and you can only shoot singles with it of course... Then there's always lipstick cams suction mounted to the inside of the windscreen...?

Hello forum members, I hope to soon start shooting a character based documentary about people performing landmine clearance. Are there any films to be recommended for inspiration on stylistic approaches? Or does anyone have any tips from previous experience doing similar? Apart from watching your step ;) Many thanks, Nick Norman-Butler Shooting Producer/Director UK

Hello there everyone, I was wondering if anyone knew a good UK/EU supplier of green chroma key body suits? So far I have only seen one ebay seller who offers them at approx £150 shipping from USA. Any tips most appreciated! Nick

Thanks for the advice Scott. I did use the Z1 in the end having done some more focus tests at minimum distance and it worked out OK but your lighting tips were extremely helpful during the shoot, yesterday. Best, Nick

Hello there forum members, Thanks for taking the time?. I have my first low budget green screen shoot coming up for a music video in which I will be filming some wind-up toys (all different colours) jumping, flipping, walking etc. The toys are only 3 or 4 inches tall. The video might have a low res retro 70's style treatment in post. So, I?ve been doing some reading but have a few questions (sorry if they are basic): 1 My camera is a Sony Z1 which I can already see is not ideal as it doesn?t have a macro function. If needed, we plan to enlarge the images in post though I know this will lose a lot of resolution?Is it completely crazy to use this camera? Should I just push for an EX-1 which does have macro? 2 The green screen is needed on floor and back wall in order to completely isolate the subject. How do I best minimise green spill light coming up from the floor? I?ve read the other posts advocating rear rim lighting? Some say it?s not necessary. What are the alternatives? 3 As the toys all move what is the best way to plan for lighting them? 4 I?d like to do a top shot. Is this possible given that the distance between subject and green background (now the floor) would be minimal? Could I increase distance using a glass floor and a polarising filter perhaps? 5 Exposure: I?ve read that the correct exposure for the green screen is 50% on a gray card. I don?t have a light meter (and have never shot film) so can I instead use a gray SCALE card and up the exposure until I see 50% gray which is almost at the end of the scale? 6 Some of the toys are green so I will be shooting them against a blue screen. Same principles apply, right? 7 What lights can you recommend for foreground and background? This is very low budget. If there?s a previous thread, then great (and sorry). 8 The Sony Z1 films interlaced only, is this OK? Many thanks again, Nick

Hello there, Long time reader, first time poster here! I'm looking for some tips on best practice for filming an artist on horseback, learning how to be a cowboy. He may be there for an extended period of time so I need to get fairly good coverage. My production is a network documentary so budget is limited (I am the director, operator and sound recordist). With that in mind, my plan so far is: Hire a quad bike and ride passenger with primary camera so we can keep up with him. Perhaps let the tyres down a bit to take the bumps out of the ride. We'll be lower than the rider's eyeline but I don't see what else we can use...? Would love some advice on lipstick cameras to put on the horse for a POV shot and/or a CU of the artist's face as he learns to throw a rope etc. What do you think? Any tips gratefully received. Best, Nick