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Jody Custer

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Everything posted by Jody Custer

  1. I wanted to see if any of the cinematographers have a background in still photography. Anyone begin his or her career as a photographer? What area of photography, editorial etc. ? I am interested in assisting on some photo shoots, like editorial fashion or fine art photography, as suggested by my cinematography mentor. He said to go to "the" film labs and look at the postings and pretty much hang around. Well, finding individual photographers in these areas, I just don't know where to begin. Except for the fact that the DPs I've worked with did have studio experience. Any suggestions from what I have found to be my greatest resource of information and knowledge from true experienced people. Or any thoughts on the matter, please share your experience. I greatly appreciate it. And by the way, my sister's Chapman Grad thesis film is finished, and she is just awaiting the completion of the music rights (company responses seem to move at a glacial pace).
  2. I wanted to hear your opinions on the works of Marcelo Iaccarino. Just having seen "El Cielito," or "The Little Sky," I find myself holding onto the atmosphere created and executed on camera. I am wonder if anyone else is familiar with this film or who can suggest other Marcelo Iaccarino films to see.
  3. Hear her answer these questions of filmmaking herself and see, "The Wonderful, Horrible Life of Leni Riefenstahl" (1994) on DVD From the cinematographer perspective she tells the exact nature of technical detail in her work.
  4. In post on several film this past few months, I have come to the same issues with music and advertisments copyrights. I initially contact the available email address in regards to the company which could then advise me to the public relations department for the specifics of my request. If the film is student or not the PR still must sign a contract for you and that is where I found the most resistance. With music, I was told that the musicians have to be paid for their playing the music. Using this I gathered musicians to recreate the song I needed and paid them, as well and covering the copyright legalities of the song used (in my case an old jazz tune originally sung by Holliday with Louis on horns). A song by Peter Gabriel ofcouse will have to be given permission by Real World Studios in UK. If you go to Real World Music, and on to the Publishing section, you will see as quoted, "Here at Real World Publishing we have over 3000 music titles sourced from the Real World Records, WOMAD Select and Peter Gabriel catalogues, as well as other World Music labels across the globe. These titles are available for licensing for use in films, television programmes, adverts, computer games and web sites; in fact anywhere music is used. As we control 100% of the rights to most of the works in our catalogues, we can provide a great one-stop shop for your licensing needs. We also work with a number of artists who create music specifically for new productions. If you are after tailor-made music, please contact us with details of your project and we will be happy to discuss your specific needs. " I would say to contact the publishing department at this site and go from there, people are very helpful if you just kindly ask them. Good Luck and be open to what is affordable to you and available for you project.
  5. The new film school being built at Chapman is going to be pretty amazing, I think. "Marion Knott Studios: Scheduled to open in 2006 · A brand new, 76,000-square-foot facility. · A 500-seat theater with digital cinema and 35 mm projection. · All digital post-production. · Networked digital storage. · Sound stages and shop facilities. · Graphics and digital post-production labs. · A wide collection of DVDs and scripts for study. · A backlot slated for the next construction phase. " Dodge College of Film at Chapman I know that a lot of AFI faculty have joined with the current Chapman film department in building the new school. I think it will be the updated and more evolved place to study, because LA is built and the colleges have not much room to grow, except in curriculum. Chapman being in Orange County is as close as you can get to Film, beyond it's LA home. And the new programs seem more involving with the industry greats not just as guest speakers, but also as teachers. My younger sister is thinking of going to Chapman Film. I can't believe she would want anything to do with film. Having had to go through my making all of my films, she would fill in where any person didn't show up. From making costumes, building sets, acting to just holding something and then cleaning it all up. But she wants to study film, and I want the best for her, of course, so I am encouraging Chapman. Not just because I go there, but because the new Dodge School is even better.
  6. The new film school being built at Chapman is going to be pretty amazing, I think. "Marion Knott Studios: Scheduled to open in 2006 · A brand new, 76,000-square-foot facility. · A 500-seat theater with digital cinema and 35 mm projection. · All digital post-production. · Networked digital storage. · Sound stages and shop facilities. · Graphics and digital post-production labs. · A wide collection of DVDs and scripts for study. · A backlot slated for the next construction phase. " Dodge College of Film at Chapman I know that a lot of AFI faculty have joined with the current Chapman film department in building the new school. I think it will be the updated and more evolved place to study, because LA is built and the colleges have not much room to grow, except in curriculum. Chapman being in Orange County is as close as you can get to Film, beyond it's LA home. And the new programs seem more involving with the industry greats not just as guest speakers, but also as teachers. My younger sister is thinking of going to Chapman Film. I can't believe she would want anything to do with film. Having had to go through my making all of my films, she would fill in where any person didn't show up. From making costumes, building sets, acting to just holding something and then cleaning it all up. But she wants to study film, and I want the best for her, of course, so I am encouraging Chapman. Not just because I go there, but because the new Dodge School is even better.
  7. I learned to draw them as small thumbnails, to minimize detail. My background is in fine arts. Drawing storyboards is making me focus on the artistic presentation of the actual drawing, trying to perfect them on paper, which in turn, changes my original vision. The film grants wanted storyboards included with presentation. The need for them was mentioned enough in several places that I got caught up creating them. So much so, that my creative process in pre-production went idle. But I have come to the conclusion that they do not work for me. In trying to get storyboards right, I realize that I am defeating the purpose of accurately realizing the shot. No storyboards for my process. I trust my eye. When shooting, I can see my shot and communicate it to my DP. On set, I see my shots. (I developed the environment, look, feel, and character, of everything the camera will shoot.) I trust it.
  8. What is the take on storyboards. An efficient method of communication, or a waste of your time? How have storyboards helped a shoot? How much structure do you as a DP account for? How much do you expect when you arrive on-set?
  9. I saw several questions about film school, and specifically about Chapman, so I hope this can give a little more insight.
  10. Just wondering... about how much does a Panavision 35mm camera package cost?(10 day shoot) Someone asked me and I have no idea.
  11. I am a grad student at Chapman film school, so I can only speak of my experience there. As for cinematography: in early cinematography classes, you work with stills and 16mm, both b&W & color, sync & non-sync. as with any basic cinematography class, the emphasis is on prepping and operating the cameras and related equipment, understanding the basic qualities of film, learning how acheive both practical and creative lighting, getting hands-on experience, and participating in critiques of your own work as well as existing work. in the advanced cinematography classes, the emphasis is more on finding your particular style and building the relevant skills to develop it. the department did rent a 35mm camera, and we had in-class projects, where each student had a chance to prep and operate a 35mm panavision camera first-hand. almost every cine class involved actually setting up lights, shooting, and discussions. there seemed to be adequate equipment for grad and undergrad productions, but as always, the ones who plan ahead are more likely to get just what they need, when they need it. and actually, i think classes got the highest priority when it came to reserving and receiving equipment.
  12. I am a grad thesis student in Chapman University's film production program. I enrolled in 2001, and though I finished my required classwork before Chapman switched its curriculum to that of a conservatory, I am currently working on my own master's thesis, and I think I can still answer many of the questions regarding the film school based on my experiences there. ultimately, when choosing a program, it comes down to personal choices, based on what info you have at the time and what you feel your basic needs are. i came from a background in fine arts studio, and extensive film and art history. i wanted to see if i could feel the same creative satisfaction in making narrative film, as well as gaining more knowledge and practical experience, as well as hoping to narrow what area within film I would like to pursue. because of that, i chose chapman. at that time, chapman was a smaller program, but did not require you to choose your emphasis (say in directing or cinematography) when you entered. i personally really love attending private school because of smaller classes and more individual time with professors. i also chose chapman because everyone gets to make their own thesis film, and you own your film when it is complete...not every film program works that way. as at any school, there are great professors and not-so-great professors. personally, i have never had trouble finding mentors that have a very positive impact on myself and my work. there are amazing classes and ones that sounded good in the catalogue but left you wondering why you paid for it. i've been impressed by the efforts of classmates, and also sorely disappointed in them. but ultimately, it comes down to you...how much serious energy and effort you are willing to put into assignments, seeking and working on projects outside the classroom, communicating with professors and classmates, and finding/pursuing what it is you love about film and working to develop an understanding of the cinematic language as a form of storytelling, expression, and craft. i think that attitude is very important to making any film school or film work experience truly worthwhile. I am now in pre-production of my thesis film. Best Wishes
  13. Yesterday,I learned that I received the Panavision full 35mm package! Shooting in September, I am elated
  14. Thank you for your feedback and expertise. I greatly appreciate your response
  15. The respect and non-diva director approach, is a given. But what would you like a director to communicate to the DP, before and during filming? What are some silent wishes that you have had that the director would handle or communicate to you? What do you want to hear?
  16. Cinematographers please speak up. What do you want from your director? If you could request anything of your director, what would it be? What would be the most helpful to you and your crew? Both in pre-production and production.
  17. I am applying for a Panavision grant for 35mm film. What if they do not not have an offer for 35mm? If I don't get it for 35, what do you think about doing it super-16? This is my thesis project, most of it will be shot at night. That is why, among other reasons as well, I want 35, for better rendering of the night shots. How is super-16 with scenes at night? I think I want more "35 vs. 16" comments posted! Just kidding...well sort of.
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