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Paul Brenno

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Everything posted by Paul Brenno

  1. here is teh IMdb on Cloud Atlas: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1371111/fullcredits#cast from what I heard, it bombed....$100Million budget, made only $10M opening weekend.....not many went to see it, since it was too confusing to have so many storylines in hte allotted movie time.....
  2. hi Katelyn, my name is Paul, I'm a DP....your short film is well done...I could tell however that it was a student film, maybe that was the point (??)....My suggestion would be to speed up the action more....there is a movie called " Cube " out many yrs ago (not sure if you know it or not (??), but the plot was about several people waking up in a CUBE, having to work together to get out.....My question applied to that film and yours, Why is she there ???....who put her there ??... Having an actor in a room by herself, you could establish that in the first 1 to 2 min's, not in 5min's....also, fill on those silent gaps of natural sound with suspensive music, something to hold the viewers attention and give your story it's drama/soul....
  3. Here are two links to a webseries I DP'd back in 2011....the series is called " Why Apply for College ", features several Native American teen, their journey to afford college...running time about 5 min's each....not professional actors, but pretty good....professional Director/DP/Editor 2 web-ebisodes Why Apply: Parent Challenges http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IjEtPdfqWU Why Apply: Teen Rocker http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1UgDKDCbVQ
  4. Dean Semler (Dances with Wolves, Apocalypto) Robert Richardson (JFK, A Few Good Men) Roger Deakins (Shawshank Redemption) Jack Green (Unforgiven) Geoffrey Unsworth (2001 A Spacey Odyssey-Superman) Caleb Deschanel (The Patriot, Passion of the Christ) Wally Pfister (Inception)
  5. Dances with Wolves, Passion of the Christ, Superman: The Movie
  6. Peter, in regards to finding work, one of the things I've learned from being in this business.....take any job you can, since you WILL get experience (maybe get paid) but any job you take with be more than what you had...Learn from ANY position, that way the producers or other crew will see how good to are you to work and be able to network, maybe get offered more work or even fulltime work....talk to TV stations or video production companies to even professionals in your area, introduce yourself to them....volunteer your time on the crew, take the poop jobs to learn and again, to meet and network...
  7. I have recently finished a degree in film production and I am eager to begin working within the industry. I have developed an appreciation for cinematography throughout the course of my studies although my experience is limited, the course I was enrolled upon did not go so far as to provide me with a solid grounding in this specific field. I understand that it is highly unlikely that I will walk straight into the role of director of photography and so what I would like to know is how I would approach production companies with the experience that I have, what roles would be achievable and effective in preparing me for the role of dop? - Jack, if you are a new graduate, find any job in film/video, from shooting anything to post production. When approaching a company, tell them about yourself and even go as far as volunteering on shoots to internships, really anything to get in the door, if you live in a city that does do that. Another path is to find any job in video production, from no/low path video productions to " get experience ". Many of us working in the field (I've been in the field now for 15 yrs, but was laid off), starting small then gradually worked my way up. There is no one specific way to become a DP, probably nobody will hire you (pay you money) to DP their film, without a good reel. Friends maybe, but I would also look at the alma maters from your school, see if you know their work and contact them, pick their brain, etc....I would also say to buy a cheap video camera (whatever you can afford) and shoot a bunch of footage, then edit a reel together, just to show potential Producers you can shoot.... Here's my reels to show you: #1 " Why Apply for College: Parent Challenges " web-series HD Director of Photography http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IjEtPdfqWU&feature=relmfu #2 COMMERCIAL REEL: PRODUCER/DP/EDITOR:
  8. I wanted to post this due to some really frustrating experiencing finding work. I was laid off during the great recession in Aug 2009, am still looking for fulltime work. I'm a DP/Videographer/Editor. I've never seen the economy this bad and wonder who is hiring or if companies only hire locals ?? I live in a small town (my hometown) where video production is not taken seriously or talked about, since nothing is really done here, except for small time news. I have over 10 years experience in major markets from Houston to Denver, but in searching for work now, cannot seem to find anything. Any encouraging words out there would be great....I know the economy still sucks, so I'm just wondering when we, who were laid off, will get back to work again ? Thanks
  9. I just bought a Canon EOS 550D DSLR. I love the HD camera, but am going to try to buy a attached viewfinder for the HD monitor. Has anyone shot HD footage with this and are DLSR cameras good mainly for wide or still shots, but not for zooming or adjusting focus ??
  10. Hey everyone, I am currently seeking fulltime work. I was laid off during the recession, am working parttime at a local TV station as Photographer. I have over 10 yrs experience, am just looking for any good leads. Am prefering a larger city, since I am not able to freelance. Resume available, thanks Paul Brenno My demo reel www.youtube.com/watch?v=3raOwVQVEzc
  11. I was a Cinematography student at Montana State University-Bozeman back in 1996. Andy came in and held an Advanced Cinematography Class for Seniors, which I wasn't then, but got to see him work. He was gracious and very nice in explaning what he was doing and why.....I learned AlOT !!!!
  12. I read on IMdb that Janusz resigned his ASC status, is this right ??? I know ASC is the top honor for DP's, so I'm just wondering why, does anyone know ??
  13. Here's my lasted EFP/ENG DP reel..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41YKvGg9fMg&feature=youtu.be (2:40)
  14. I agree, very nice work, but NEEDS to be more upbeat.....
  15. hey guys, I was just offered a staff position (today) as a Videographer/Editor for an award winning video production company here in my hometown. I wanted to get some advice on this, since being back working in news again, it's opened up more possible areas of interest for me, as compared to video production. I am sort of torn on this one, since I don't wnat to go thru another exp' like I just had, but this is with a new company with new people...I am asking all the questions I didn't ask at my old job, but I have no idea of what it's really like to work there, except for knowing two ex-staff that recently left. I also know if I took the position, I'd be looking to leave to a bigger city within a yr or so.... In working at the TV station, I really enjoy shooting/editing video and am heavily thinking of going back into news, but not crazy about covering crime (hard news) or being on-call.....Am not looking for a perfect position (that doesn't exist) but a good place to call home.....pros and cons are everyhere, but always good to get some feedback.....thanks
  16. hello fella DP's/Videographer's....Got a situation that is interesting, get some input/feedback.... I've been working in both video production and news (for over 10 yrs) as Photographer/Editor to Director of Photography. I was working in Denver when I got laid off, that was Aug '09, so with this lowsy economy, I've been working parttime at my hometown's local tv station as studio crew/photographer, still hoping to find FT work.... I've been doing some thinking about my career, whether I should con't to look at video production companies, as they mostly hire Videographer/Editors who are great editors, esp with motion grafx (photoshop/after effects), which I'm not good at....I've been a much better DP and ENG Editor, but my aptitude is much better suited for being a DP/ENG Editor (Photographer/Editor)..... I was just offered a FT staff position as videographer/editor at a video production company....i was excited to get the offer, but know two ex-staff members who recently left....they offer a above average pay for this small size market, but no OT or comp time...I am grateful for the offer, but know I'd leave within a yr or two for a bigger city..... I am thinking about going back into news as Photographer/Editor in a bigger city, preferable down south, since I do enjoy it, plus video production seems to be more focused on great editing and motion grafx, but want to make the right decision on this....video production and news have both pros and cons, but I haven't had much luck with video production companies, working for some major butt producers...hadn't had that in news yet.... my goal was to eventually work as a staff DP for a video production company or TV station, so just trying to make the right choice.....
  17. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVp8rldKQzs Please don't be too cruel !!! haha
  18. hi Bruce, just to clarify, I mainly meant I don't want to move to Hollywood and work freelance, working the typical 12=16 hours days on a movie.... I did 20 yrs ago, but then found that freelancing just wasn't an option for me....I do like routine, going to a job every day and do what I enjoy doing, plus becoming really good at it....I was working my way to that, esp when I was in Denver, making poverty wages, but winning awards for my work and loving what I did, plus being with good people to trusted me....the last place I worked at was a god awful exp' for me....staff were rude and management never trusted me, plus the entire staff were replaced with new staff (about 1/2-3/4), which made me wonder why everyone left (???)... I had a bad feeling about it, but having been out (due to layoffs from Denver), I said to myself " I've got to take this "....I took it and found it was NOT the place for me or anyone I would know....
  19. Brian/Fraya, thanks for the sound advice/input, just what I needed to hear...yes, I am a bit down, but NOT OUT !!....Getting work at a TV station wss a great thing, plus I'm currently waiting to hear back from my hometown University about a parttime custodian position that have open that can fill in some time during the day for extra money. The University is great too, since I am hoping to take some classes in Motion Graphics and DSLR Photography, plus keep my name in for any positions in broadcasting or theatre they might have. Getting fired sucks, but true to what you are saying, even though you feel awful/bummed out (not so much depressed), that is a motivating factor, since the only place to go is UP !!!. In looking at it, I'd rather be fired and find a better place to work, then keep working in a bad place....Losing my mother was huge, I mean huge loss for the family, since my Dad hates being alone, he also hates to cook and clean, so I'm helping out with that...I actually was seeking counseling for anxiety and stress, but I also think that cost me my job....now, however, with limited funds coming in, I have to drop my insurance until I get back to work again, which could be next week (??) My overall goal was to find a place, in a city, where I couild be a fulltime staff DP, bring the skills a Editor/Producer I already have. Now, it seems like, just what you are saying, with the DSLR revolution, you NEED those skills, plus After Effects/Photoshop to compete, esp with the young guys coming right out of college/film school that dont know life without it....I am going to be shooting sports and some news for this station, during my off hours, which I know will be huge and am going to practice editing on FCP during my off time too.... Going to work in the oil field just DO NOT appeal to me, however much money they make. I have no desire to work 12-16 hour days, with no sleep just for a paycheck....I wouldn't do that in film/video (or be happy about it), since it's just exhausting work....maybe if I were 19-21yrs old again, I would, but at 42 (tougher to do)..... One thing about news that I left was mainly because I dislike what big city news is, all hard news (crime #1) being on-call to lousy pay....seems like news is turning more into Reporters who can shoot, not the reporter/photographer combo I worked in a few years ago.... Having won two major awards while in Denver did boost moral and confidence, but this past exp' really damaged it....I guess now to re-start My ultimate goal was to become a staff DP at a film/video production company, so that is my main goal still to this day.....I do take this daily, but I'm always goal oriented, esp about my future.....
  20. Hi Freya, let me answer you by each question you have, it'd be much easier... Hiya Paul, Okay heres the really important question. What do you actually want to do and what do you actually want to be? - My ultimate goal was to be a staff DP for a video production company in a major city, that is my con't goal. I would love to move to Dallas/Ft Worth or another city down south, since I like southern cities. I can tell you are feeling down about your situation and feel uncertain about your future. Working for the local tv station sounds kinda cool, I bet theres a lot of people who would like to have that job. Part time can also be cool because it gives you time to do other stuff. However clearly this isn't quite working for you right now. - I am feel down and frustrating, but still my direction for my future hasn't changed. (see above) It's important to know what you want to achieve. I'm guessing you must have some idea or have had some idea because being a DP doesn't seem like something people do by accident very often, so I'm guessing you chose that path. If you aren't sure what you want to do anymore, maybe you need to step back and work out why you went down this path in the first place. What did you want to achieve then? Is that still what you want to achieve? - Being a professional DP is what I've always wanted to do ever since high school. I wanted to be one because not only do I enjoy photography/lighting, I get it, understand the technical elements and the work speaks to me That's the really important thing and that's what you need to know first. You need to know that and you need to be able to admit that to yourself. Then you need to start making a plan for how to get there. Trying to do anything else is going about things "arse about face" as they say over here. I know as I've just spent 2 years of my life going about things back to front and ending up just loosing 2 years of my life! Thankfully they weren't the most important 2 years of my life as my life was already trashed anyway so I probably needed that time to recover. Your posting is interesting because it's all about where you are now and a bit about your past but it says nothing about what you want to achieve. It doesn't actually matter where you are now. You could as you suggest go and work in the oil world, but that isn't what you want to do, so theres a clue right there straight up. You need to work out where how you are now, can take you to where you want to get to. - The feeling down feeling is there, due to my family suffering a major loss this past yr (mother dying), then my hometown going thru a disastrous flood, all the while being laid off for almost 2 yrs..... Basically you appear to be asking the wrong questions, and theres a part of you that knows that already or you wouldn't even be saying the things you just said about the oil industry. Hope that helps! love Freya Read more: http://www.cinematography.com/index.php?showtopic=53624#ixzz1aiDWUcV5
  21. hi Freya, thanks for your reply....you asked me, where I wanted to be...well, let me tell you....I ultimately wanted to be a staff DP for a video production company in Dallas/Ft Worth, Austin, San Antonio. I lived in TX for 10 yrs and loved it. I did have an interview back in summer 2010 with a company in Dallas that was looking to hire a staff DP, but then didn't...still hoping....I did win a 2009 Telly Award and CO Broadcasters Award while working in Denver, which was a huge boost for us at our station, so I would love to be in that type position again, which was Photojournalist/Director of Photography....(the company folded during the recession) Now, being I was laid off for almost 2 yrs, which I had no control over, didn't help either. I had 4 terrible producers (two were computer geek nerds) in their backgrounds, who didn't like me since I wasn't a big computer guy, but they also knew I wasn't, but treated me terribly....I did work in news for about two yrs, enjoyed it, but left since news is more about hard crime and negative news.... now I'm re--evaluated things, haven't given up on the biz, nor have any desire to quit....ultimately would like to work in a city, where I can the right match, DP'ing, plus editing....it does seem the business is now more about doing it all, from DP'ing/Editing/DSLR Photography/Motion Grafx.....times are a changing.....working evenings at the local TV station is another good start again, so I'm going to take advantage of it...it's a real shame when things don't work out like you would like, but certain things are not in my control, but how I react to them.... I remember in high school buying my first American Cinematographer magazine, while I was wondering what career I wanted to do....Still Photography I really enjoyed, but video got me, I was hooked....I chose this field, since I love lighting and photography, capturing images and telling stories, selling products....it was a hobby i wanted to turn into my career....the DP's I've greatly admired are Dean Semler (dances with wolves) to Robert Richardson (ASC)...
  22. hello fella cameramen/women....have a conundrum for y'all (seriously answers only).... I've been in the film/video production business now for over 10 yrs....I first started as a Commercial Producer/Editor way back in 1998, long before P2 Digital became mainstream. My goal was to become a DP, work for a video production company in a major city, like Dallas. I worked in Houston for several yrs, even fulltime as a DP on a home lifestyle show. Both immediately supervisors were just butts, pure and simple. I then spent the last 5 or so yrs, working as both Photographer in news and DP, ending in Denver, before being laid off, working for a wonderful Producer. I had no steady video work for almost 2 years, had to work as custodian to painting to earn money I(which I did enjoy). I then got a fulltime position as Videographer/Editor at a company, was DP'ing mostly, but then was fired for not editing enough or knowing After Effects, Motion (which they already knew I had basic knowledge of)....this was NOT a good exp's, with some advice, one person is teling me to switch careers or go back to school to learn motion graphics, DSLR Photography, etc....I'm 42, not sure if news is a better fit or production.....????? I'm currently working parttime evenings at our local tv station, plus possibly another position parttime at my hometown's university....not sure what the future is holding right now, but just pissed this past work exp's was so bad....
  23. Hello all, I'm a DP and Videographer/Editor. I've been in the biz now for over 10 yrs, had alot of ups and downs, most recently the downs....I was working in Denver back from March '08-Aug '09, when I got laid off, company basically shut down....I moved back to my homestate, where I'm currently at, was just recently working at a fulltime job when I was fired. I was a videographer/editor, but was told " it wasn't the right fit for them ", so I got the axe....I felt the place wasn't a good environment for me, but having been out of work for so long, knew that was a big factor as well. I live in a small city, where there are no freelancing opp's.... Now, I'm working parttime as Studio Crew/Photographer at a local TV station, but tried to apply to a video production company, but was not chosen, the other candidate at DSLR Corporate photography exp', which I didn't have. My question is, should go back to school to study Digital Photography, plus After Effects/Photoshop, which I know the basics of, but am no expert, or switch careers, which alot of people ahve done, since the oil fields are huge here....(not interested)....just trying to figure things out, since I'm not ready to get out of the biz.....thanks
  24. thanks Adrian, I'm definitely NOT ready to give up and quit...I know we've all been fired or laid off, etc...I had a discussion with a family member, their argument/point was that " how has working in video produciton paid off ??? ", since I've been fired 2x (in the span of 6 yrs)....all other positions I've left to other opp's....I just applied to a position in my hometown and didn't get the job due to the other candidate doing more corporate DSLR work
  25. hello fella cameramen/women....have a conundrum for y'all (seriously answers only).... I've been in the film/video production business now for over 10 yrs....I first started as a Commercial Producer/Editor way back in 1998, long before P2 Digital became mainstream. My goal was to become a DP, work for a video production company in a major city, like Dallas. I worked in Houston for several yrs, even fulltime as a DP on a home lifestyle show. I was fired from that show, only due to the Managing Producer being just a big jerk. I then spent the last 5 or so yrs, working as both Photographer in news and DP, ending in Denver, before being laid off. I had no steady video work, had to work as custodian to painting to earn money. I then got a fulltime position as Videographer/Editor at a company, was DP'ing mostly, but then was fired for not editing enough or knowing After Effects, Motion (which they already knew I had basic knowledge of)....this was NOT a good exp's, with some advice, one person is teling me to switch careers or go back to school to learn motion graphics, etc....I'm 42, not sure if news is a better fit or production.....?????
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