Kevin Zanit

The film is usually folded over itself to fit into the core tightly, in the direction of operation. Then you just give the core several turns (keeping tension on the film) so that when the camera starts up it won?t jerk out of the core. Kevin Zanit

American Cinematographer Magazine always has good info.

Flare is somewhat affected by iris setting. When you stop down the shape of the flare tends to take on the shape of a star. This is because the leafs of the iris are making that pattern. Thus the wider you are on the lens, the more the flare will take on the shape of a ball. Using any form of diffusion will make the flare more round in shape. See below: Kevin Zanit

I would gel the light, not the board. You also may want a light with a little more punch because of how much light you will loose through the red gel. I have never had issues with exposure in red light, just focus. Because red is the last layer on the film, it is prone to some slight focus issues (assuming your shooting film). Kevin Zanit

Just load them in a dark-ish room. Roll a few feet after you threaded the camera and you will be fine. Kevin Zanit

I really like the look of a wet down. It creates some texture and life to what would be an otherwise black void (in the case of asphalt). It reflects your light sources, and because most of the light hits the water in an "edge" position, they tend to go hot so one needs to stay on top of that. I think it is an effect to be used sparingly. Some guys use a wet down in the day, but I don?t really care for that look (unless it?s motivated by rain). Kevin Zanit

Bill, It is very good to have you here. I have heard nothing but great things. Kevin Zanit

I like Phil's suggestion. But if you can?t get in there at night, then I would do what David suggests. Kevin Zanit

In a perfect scenario I would choose a Panaflex GII or Millennium, with Primo Anamorphic lenses. If it was high-speed work I would use a PanArri 435. I like Panavision as a company (and for their gear). I like how they don?t nickel and dime you for every accessories or filter. Kevin Zanit

Feel free to email me. Kevin Zanit

Something I have had to address more than a few times. It is a hard situation being younger and often less experienced than the crew. This is why it is absolutely critical to know what you want. Don?t go back and forth with indecision (I am not saying not to second guess an idea, just be prepared), or as a fellow more experienced than myself puts it; don?t "fiddle fu*k around" while the crew awaits a form of direction (crew applies more to me, as a cinematographer, than you, as a director). It is important to present yourself as a leader with a plan, because after all, you should be. That said, there are just some people who have a problem with a younger guy in a leadership position. These also tend to be people with faux experience, and padded resumes. I meet with every crew member who will be on the show. I try to work with people who I have past experience, as this provides some comfort. I also have a gaffer whose judgment of people I trust very much. Thus, when we need more personal, I go to him. Kevin Zanit

I have goten odd looks when a list of gear had 28 C-Stands, and various grip parts totaling over a hundred items. It gets used extremly quick once you start making odd rigs and such. Kevin Zanit

HD gear rents for much higher prices than film gear. Kevin Zanit

A sad situation. He was a very good person, and will be missed. Kevin Zanit

Just so us young guys don?t get a bad wrap, I am only 19. I have been posting here for years, like since I was 16/ 17. I like to think I contribute positive things to this forum, so not all young film people are problem starters. I agree Landon could use a good dose of humble pie, but oh well. I have encountered many setbacks due to my age. How did I counter that? I shut up, listened and learned (and of course, I still am learning). Then I was able to present myself in a professional, confident manor. I could only do this because I was not bull shitting my way through the experience; I only spoke about what I knew. I am respectful, and have come to expect some respect, but only because I show it. So not all young'ins are arrogant, ill-informed people, at least I hope I am not. Kevin Zanit

I look first at the script, and if it is something I would want to be involved with. Does the story offer me something visually challenging. Is the subject something I have feelings about? I then look at the director. Is this someone I want to work with? Is he very visual? Is he a person in which some mutual respect is had? Then I look at if this is something that can be done justice with the amount of money available. Of course I (and I am sure others) have sacrificed some of this criteria just to be working. But in a perfect world, this is what I use. Kevin Zanit

I am sure in the contracts there is a clause stating that if the studio (the people with the real money on the line) is not happy with the progress of the show, they can make the changes necessary to get back on schedule. It also does not mean the director/ DP will not get their salary, it just means they are not involved with the picture. This guy is a first time director, its not like firing Spielberg. In other words, this guy has very little clout, and getting fired from a film can severely hinder his chances of directing another film in the near future. "I would make sure they had a BAD reputation with crew and cast." Ahh the sound of sweet naivety. Warner could care less about their reputation with the people they hire. Don?t forget who cuts the cheeks at the end of the week. This kind of stuff happens all the times. And while it is done for the wrong reasons at times, it also usually has some firm grounds. Kevin Zanit

I have always had good luck with Fotokem. Not only do they cut deals, but they will give you the support that they would give a normal customer. So in my experience, they have been a good company. Kevin Zanit

It is camera tape. The tape serves several purposes: The tape around the boarder of the lid is to prevent any possible light leaks if direct light hits the mag. The tape on the latch to open the mag is to prevent any accidental openings. The color of the tape is used to identify the type of film loaded in the mag. Generally red is for high speed stocks (5218, 5279, etc). Blue is for daylight stocks, etc, etc. As long as you are consistent it does not really matter. You do not use black tape on a mag, black is reserved for exposed film downloaded into cans. Kevin Zanit

Interesting observation about the DCC. I thought I was the only one who saw that issue . . . glad I am not alone ;) As I said yesterday, for me shooting clean in camera (as far as menu settings go) makes more sense the more I think about it/ test it. Kevin Zanit

Brad, Real good point. Very true.

"SOFT STICKS!" Came to mind, dont know why . . . Kevin Zanit

My absolute favorite on windows is 1000H. I like 1/2 silent grid cloth. I also really like 1/2 china silk. I am starting to play with black silks, but haven?t really had the time/ opportunity to really put them to work. On windows, I also like the look of white dulling spray added by eye to give me the effect I want. Kevin Zanit

It is important to have a proper monitor when using the 900. You need an HD resolution capable monitor, and one that is big enough to let you know if you are having minor focus problems that you would not normally see without the large monitor. I think anything less than 14" is being brave. I prefer the 24", but if you can?t afford it, then you can?t afford it. Although the newer down-converters are decent, it still will not let you see the minor focus issues that you can encounter if your project will live in HD, or be projected. An HD signal is not PAL or NTSC, it is HD. Thus you need an HD capable monitor, or a down-converter. Even the 24" HD monitor is actually a 60i system with a 3:2 pulldown card (if I am not mistaken); this is what causes the flicker one sees. The 900 has component outs (YpBpR), are you sure it doesn?t take component in? Do any of the monitors have HDSDI in? If so you could go that route. Kevin Zanit

Ed Lachman is a great DP, I wonder why he?s gone. Then again, Conie Hall was fired from a film also, so I guess talent doesn?t have much to do with it. My experience with Jennifer Aniston was nothing but great. I doubt it was diva antics on her part. Interesting article though. Kevin Zanit