Mungai Kiroga

Habari (hi), I am currently prepping for a low-budget music video to be shot later this week. I had written about it in the 'Off Topic' section of the site,had a few differences with the client on the concept. Fortunately, we managed to sort it out and are now moving forward. More on that here: http://www.cinematography.com/index.php?showtopic=37290 The concept is simple and straightforward. The song is a reflective jazz number about a woman that the artiste is in love with. We have structured the concept to mirror the title and we are basically drawing a parallel between an artiste trying to write a song and the development of a new-found relationship. The main location is an out-of-town cottage. We settled on it mainly because it is low-cost, but also because it has a rustic, wild feel to it-kind of like new love I think. It also borders the Nairobi National park and we ought to get some interesting shots of the surroundings. The budget is super low. Our gear consists of a Sony Z1, a Dolly, a couple blonds and a couple reds. The DP will be pulling all the tricks up his sleeve to make it work. Tomorrow,we will go to the location for rehearsals then if all goes well, D-day will either be on Thursday or Sunday. I will keep you posted on how it all goes.

I had not looked at it that way but you are absolutely right, David. He is directing and I am producing. Had a meeting with him today. Thankfully, he agreed to do away with the green-screen sequences although he wants to bring in ballet dancers. Will be one hell of a stretch considering the budget. Yup. Will do the best I can, take the money and vamoose. Should be some bit of fun though. Thanks.

Hey guys, I have been in discussions with a musicians regarding a music video I'd like to produce and direct for him. We had agreed on a concept and were meant to start shooting this weekend. However, he called me last Saturday and suggested we postpone the shoot and change 'a few things'. I had a meeting today and to my horror, he has changed the whole concept. The worst part is a completely dislike the new concept. Really!! It goes completely against what I had in mind. On top of that he has added some green-screen sequences that I feel will really go wrong since we do not have the budget to pull them off well. To be perfectly honest it will look really shady and bootleg but he is incessant. If you were in my shoes what would you do? Truth be told, I could do with the business, but I will be honest, the outcome will not be the kind of thing one puts on their demo reel. Kindly advice.

Hi guys, Just checking to see if there are members from Africa on the site, specifically East Africa.

I am working as a script editor for a company called Balozi Productions L.T.D. We have a grand plan to produce low budget, straight-to-DVD movies for the mass market. Latter this month we will film our third project, "Painful Destiny". Its a dramatic film that traces the life of a young couple from engagement to five years in the marriage. They go through several challenges from the man's low sperm count, to his best friend's criminal dealings, trouble with in-laws and other issues. The story was written by a media student from one of our universities. I developed the plot and wrote the screenplay. I am also involved in production and will direct some scenes. (You know how it is with low-budget shoots, everyone does a little bit of everything but its often a bag of fun.) The weapon of choice is a modest JVC HD 100. We will be shooting 720P with a simple lighting kit, a couple of blonds and red-heads. We plan to shoot over a period of seven days spread over two weeks. We are all very excited about it.

Habari yenu (how are you all?) The people you work with are almost like family. You do not always get to choose. If you get a good job, you go for it regardless of who the actor, director, e.t.c are. But, what if you had the chance to pick a crew for your next project. Who would you like to work with? Here is an example: Producer: Brian Grazer. Director: Me(of course). D.P: David Mullen (obviously). Script writer: Charlie Kaufman. Lead actors: Nickolas Cage& Samuel Jackson. Lead actress: Juliet Lewis. Supporting actress: Halle Berry (I am a guy after all...

Hi everybody. It has been a while since I posted an update on this topic. Initially, we had planned to start shooting at the beginning of this month. Unfortunately, due to the unrest in my country we had to postpone production until the situation could cool down. Last week, I had a meeting with an executive at one of our stations and I made my first pitch. It was quite nerve wrecking but it went well. He liked the idea and hinted that the station would be interested in the program once we start production. However, he said that he would like to see the pilot episode first. The weapon of choice for the pilot episode is a Sony Z1U. The script is about 80% complete. The program will have two presenters, one male and one female. Although it is essentially a non-dramatic show, there will be some acting just to liven it up. The presenters will play defined and distinguishable characters. The guy will be mischievous, conniving and we will give him funny lines. He will present light topics and will also antagonize the female presenter. On the other hand, lady will be the more serious one of the two. She will present the more serious and complex topics. Visually, I want to go for two different ?looks?. Whenever the female presenter is on screen, the camera work will be serious and ?business like?. We will have formal composition, locked down cameras or very minimal movement, long (duration) shots and few cuts with smooth continuity. Whenever the male presenter is on screen, the camera work will be casual. That means hand held camera shots or stead cam shots, short (duration) shots, less formal composition and relatively faster editing. The male presenter?s wardrobe will be casual and will consist mainly of denim pants. The female presenter will be slightly more formally dressed although we will not clad put her in business suits. We will most likely shoot HDV although that is not yet confirmed. We are yet to find an editor who will give us a good deal to edit HDV. There are a few issues to be sorted out before we can shoot the pilot. The key issue is of course funding. I knew that this project would be expensive. I just didn?t know HOW expensive it would be. I am beginning to get an idea of what Robert Rodriguez went through when he was trying to shoot ?El Mariachi?. Still, our commitment to the project is still high. If all goes well, we will shoot the pilot in March and have it ready by April. Hopefully, within the next three or at most four months, we will have more than just an idea on paper.

Thank you for the replies. I should clarify that Overdrive will be a thirty minute non-dramatic program that will run weekly. I have been sending proposals to various parties for the past six months or so. The feedback from most people has been the same, "we want to see a sample". It is difficult to convine broadcasters and potential sponsors to get involved with the project because my experience is limited. With a pilot, it will be easier to get them on board. I could write a concept and try to sell it to another more established comopany as you suggest. However, Overdrive will not be a complex program. It wil not require the resources used in dramatic programs. Also, Kenya's television industry is young. Most of the programs we watch are foreign. There is growing demand for local productions and broadcasters are keen looking for programs that will feed the need. Will people like the pilot? I believe that they will. The responses I have been getting from people I have sent proposals to have been very positive. They like they idea. I just need to prove that it can be shot and that we can shoot it.

Hi guys. I am a young, aspiring television producer from Nairobi, Kenya. I am working on pilot episode for a program idea that I have. Since I have been a member of this forum for about two years now and I have learned loads from all of you, I feel that I should share with you my progress. It is my first production and I am very excited about it. THE PROGRAM The working title for the program is Overdrive (there is a magazine in India with the same title so I will definitely change it before we start production). It will be a thirty-minute motoring program. I know that a program on cars is not exactly new. All the same, this one will be different from the likes of pimp my ride and top-gear. It will have a different feel from them. In addition, we do not have a motoring program produced in East Africa for East Africa so I am sure Overdrive will attract an audience. It will be comprised of short segments that will alternate each week. The highlight of the program will be a segment tentatively called drive like an ace. We will take an ordinary driver and over the period of one season, transform her into a driving expert with tough skills. For this segment, we are working with a company that specializes in arming drivers with survival driving skills. It is run by a rally driver called Glen Edmunds (glenedmunds.com). We will teach our student 4x4 driving skills, defensive driving, how to drive out of a hostile situation, and so on. The show will have two presenters, one male and one female. It will be exciting, humorous and sometimes emotional. THE PILOT EPISODE The pilot will be longer that the actual episodes. In the first half, we will introduce the program, the presenters and the contributors. In the second half, we will have a sample episode of the program. I am the producer, director and scriptwriter. I am working with two friends of mine who are the co-producers. They both know people who have production equipment that we can use. Between the three of us, we should be able to find cameras, lights, sound equipment and etcetera to use. The co-producers and I plan to shoot between January 26 and February 9 2008. Right now, we are drafting the budget, scouting for filming locations, applying for permits, looking for presenters and confirming with the contributors. We are also running up and down all over the city trying to convince people to lend us equipment and invest financially in the project. THE BUDGET What budget? THE CHALLENGES We have a lot to do between now and January. I for one have to finish the final script. We also have numerous elements to confirm including the money. Fortunately for us, we are excited and committed to the project. We are determined to shoot the pilot regardless of how much or how little money we will have. If need be, we will take on multiple roles to get it done. That is all for now, I will give updates on the project from time to time. Good luck to us!!!

Hi, I have been thinking about your idea over the weekend and I have a suggestion. ?The protagonist, JACK, wakes up to find he is laying on the ground in some forest. He touches his head and feels blood. Jack tries to stand up but feels the cold barrel of a shotgun on his back. The gunman, MAX, tells him that he should start running. He informs Jack that he has to track and kill another man who is somewhere in the forest. Max threatens to kill Jack?s family if he refuses to obey the commands (He has held them hostage somewhere). Jack tries to reason and plead his case, but Max sticks to his words. Reluctantly, Jack agrees and takes to his heels. As soon as our protagonist runs off into the woods, Max takes out a mobile phone from his pocket and calls somebody. Another man, RICK, is on the other side of the line. He too has a shotgun and there is a bleeding man kneeling in front of him. Max tells Rick that the plan is in motion and that he should also ?free his dove?. Rick tells his hostage, STEVE, that there is a man in the forest that he has to track and kill. Just like Jack, Steve tries to reason with his captor, but his family?s life is also in danger. Reluctantly, he also embarks on his quest. The two men are both highly trained agents. They are each given a tracking package that has among other things, a gun, ammo, tracking equipment, maps, a camera with a satellite link and etcetera. That is where the plot begins. The two men set out to kill each other, but along the way, they discover that they both have a common link. A mad and sadistic criminal called CYRUS who happens to be the brain behind the plot. They also discover that to survive and save their families, they must unite and work together.? You like? Just a suggestion?

Hi. I am writing an article on high definition for a local newspaper. I need some information on contrast ratios. What is the difference between Standard definition television and High definition, with regard to contrast ratios. I have tried looking for information through search engines. The only information available is in the form of conflicting advertisements by television manufacturers. Also, what is the maximum contarst ratio perceiveable by the human eye? I read that past a certain point, it doesn't matter how good the monitor's contrast ratio is. The eye will not perceive certain details.

No, I didn't mean an event, just a simple online award. I'm sure there are several films that stand out from a cinematogaphy point of view. Since this site has thousands of members, I know we can come up with something. So start nominating...

Habari yenu (How are you)? [/indent]It's awards season again. That time when we honour and recognize. I've been thinking, maybe we should start our own informal awards. The CINEMATOGRAPHY.COM awards. Nominated and voted for by members of the site.Nothing serious, just a thread for members to nominate their personal favourites. [/indent]What do you think about the idea? We could nominate people and films that we feel have made a mark over the past year. Then after a couple of weeks we will compile the names and see who we all feel is the best. Categories may include, Best cinematography in a music video Best cinematography in a documentary Best H.D cinematography Best Aerial Cinematogaphy Best film 2006 and any other categoriesyou may wish to add.

I suggest that you give a list of some of the countries where you intend to work. I figure that film industries vary in different countries. If you provide a list you might just be lucky enough to find forum members from your countries of interest, or members who have worked there.

The film industry in my country is an interesting affair. Numerous films, documentaries and even reality shows are shot in Kenya each year. The only thing is that a majority of them are foreign productions. These include titles such as "The Constant Gardener", Survivour Africa, e.t.c. The local market, like many others, is of course more receptive to Hollywood than it is to local productions. This means that local filmmakers have to try real hard to get noticed. Our film industry is regulated by a Film Production Department, which is a Government body. Every film, documentary, commercial, e.t.c, has to be licensed by the Department. Fortunately, getting a license is easy, even for foreign crews. Its a 48 hour process and it costs about 200 dollars to get a license. After that you only need a daily filming fee of about 12 dollars and you are ready to shoot. There are no restrictions on the number of crew members or equipment which you can bring with you. Of course, there are hundreds of indie films which are made without permits and licenses. Services such as transport, catering, accommodation and security are not hard to find. Probably the biggest problem facing our industry is our slow speed in keeping up with technology. Many of the crews that come to film in Kenya have to bring much of their own gear. Of course, you will get the standard 35mm & 16mm film cameras, Betacam cameras and DVcam cameras, but they are expensive and most of them only have basic features. Most of the music videos in my country are shot on mini DVand DVcam. Of course, filmmaking is expensive in Kenya, but I figure that's a common problen worldwide...

Thanks for the replys. To answer your question, I plan to rent equipment. It makes more economic sense. I think I have to check rental rates first before I can make a choice between the two. Thanks again.

Hey guys. I have been a member of this forum for a while now. I have to admit that I have learnt a lot from you. I have a question regarding High Definition filming. Its a fact that H.D has better resolution than Standard Definition. I plan to enter into music video production. I would love to shoot on film but its too expensive for a newbie. I am therefore left with the option of High Definition for quality. Unfortunately, my country does not transmit H.D material. This means that even if I shot on H.D, I would have to release on S.D. My question is, would I loose quality, and if so, how significant would that be? I other words, would it make more sense to shoot on H.D for S.D transmission, or S.D for S.D. I would really appreciate any advice. Asante (thanks).

Hey Brandon, I have to say that I admire your ambition :) . I have been reading the posts on your topic and I think the most important thing right now is that you pick up a camera and start shooting something. Quality and skill will come with time as you go along. Remember, it takes three things to become a good filmmaker; 1) Knowledge, which comes from reading books and getting advice from the pros. 2) Experience, which comes with time and which is why you need to start shooting something. 3) Appreciation which comes from within. Its the love for the art. This can't be taught in any school, you have to nurture it yourself. Its appreciation that will give you the strength to work with stubborn directors, shoot in the harshest locations and it is this that brings guys like David, Stephen, Dimitrious and others to this forum everyday (I believe). I hope that this helps you as you work towards becoming a film maker ;) p.s It is wise for a cinematography to do some editing in their life. That way you know the kind of shots NOT to bring back from the field!!! :huh:

What happened to the movie idea? I ttink that a cinematographer's movie is a great idea and you should definiteely go for it. I have an suggestion though... Since this movie is by cinematographers, why not concentrate on the visual aspects of it rather than the story? I don't mean to suggest that you totally ignore the story. I just think that you should aim to "wow" the audience with amazing shots (strictly no C.G.I). An advantage of this idea is that you have less of a problem directing the actors. All you now have to do is think of the most exotic places to shoot from, Hawaiian beaches, the Kenyan Savannah, Even the Grand Canyon. That would also make it easy for other cinematographers in other countries to participate since a resident wpuld know his country best. Tell me what you think about that. Tuonane (See ya)

Hey, A friend of mine and I would like to do the drop time (bullet time / matrix) effect. Its just a simple experiment we wish to carry out... for the heck of it. I plan to use around six to ten mini DV camcorders. One challenge I know I will have is the lighting. Is there any hint I can use to ensure optimum, even lighting? I dont want the one camera's picture to look too different from the next'. Remember that this is an esperiment and I wish to keep it as low (or no) cost as possible, thanks.

Phil is right (somewhat), Africa is a continent, Kenya is a country in the Eastern parts of it. Just give me a few more months (or years) people, I promise that you will be seeing more of my continent. Her is a little hint to all of us hopeful directors, Africa is still untapped as a source of ideas. Some of you should seriously consider it in your future works...