Starting to edit a new reel

[David Mullen ASC]

I just started learning Final Cut Pro X this week, and figuring out how to get things onto the web in the correct aspect ratio, etc. I recreated a montage that I had cut several years ago on an early version of iMovie, but this time not working from a DV tape copy that was interlaced. The material was 480P but I copied it as 720P ProPres files, mainly because eventually I'll have to mix in some movies that I can get at 1080P so I plan on doing all my reel montages in 720P as the common resolution.

 

Using Compressor, I got rid of the letterboxing so that the QT was 2.35 (child's play for most of you, but this is all new to me...). For now, I'm using Vimeo to host the edits as I create them. I'll probably first finish recreating the old montages that I done years ago, just so that material is now on the web, and then tackle a new montage. That's a bit daunting after 35 features, some pilots, and 3 TV series... there are many hours of material to cut into something around 2 or 3 minutes, and the projects vary wildly in tone. I may just stick with a couple of montages rather than one, who knows.

 

I put the link on my website:

http://www.davidmullenasc.com/styled-20/index.html

 

 

Or you can jump directly to it here:

[Phil Rhodes]

there are many hours of material

 

Well, that's probably a good problem!

 

Of course it's all gorgeous.

[David Mullen ASC]

I found an HD copy of "Smash" but even when switched to English audio and non subtitles, there are French subtitles burned in for the singing. I may have to go back to the U.S. 480P version... I pulled a small fantasy sequence to show how I handled these "small" musical moments in the show, which had to be lit on the day as if we were shooting a dialogue scene. I decided to have the backdrop on the set outside the windows dim down by 50% and then fade up some strong backlights from spot par cans mounted to the ceiling. The lens flares from the pars (and a 5K par outside the window) were enhanced by a homemade net filter on the lens, plus a 1/8 Black Frost filter. The net is a nylon black tule / veil that came from a fabric store; so far I've found it to be lighter in effect than any Dior or Fogal stocking I've stretched onto a frame, and a lot less fragile.

 

[John Holland]

I really love the look of that all that very strong backlight just great .

[David Mullen ASC]

I just recut my old montage of "Astronaut Farmer" in 720P:

 

[David Owen James]

What film stock did you use for the "Astronaut Farmer"?

Edited May 30, 2013 by David Owen James

[David Mullen ASC]

Fuji F-64D, 250D, and 500T.

[Jon Rosenbloom]

Hey David, I was on set one day where you did the fantasy transition not with a cut, but with a push in to a mirror and a lighting cue that was pretty spectacular; is that available?

 

Also, where is "Marylin's" hair on the waveform? It's off the chart, right?