Firend's Pics

Taking it back a hundred years.---FBS Grad Tim Yoder

Friend's Pics

Upgraded! New mounts & new batteries! More badass mountain biking, scuba, freediving, adventure race videos to come!--FBS grad Swany Swan

Friend's Pics

Last day on set this year is drawing to an end. Excited for some time off.--FBS grad Wes A.

Friend's Pics

Would like to give a shout out and a sincere Thank You to an All Star, talented, passionate, hard-working Crew & Cast that worked from sundown to sun-up to make the short film idea 'DEAD SILENCE' into reality! WOHOOO MAKING MOVIES!!---Director Clark H.
Photos courtesy of Rob T.

FRIEND'S PICS

been buying some new toys....FS Grad Jay Shropshire

Film Crew Slang

Tentpole- A film designed to be a top grossing blockbuster (usually in the summer) to make up for a studio's financial flops. The Tentpole is usually part of a franchise series of films. Holy Tentpole Batman!

Pick of the Week

"They Live" (1988)- Famed horror director John Carpenter (Halloween, Escape From New York, The Thing) provides a different twist on alien invasion. Professional wrestler Rowdy Roddy Piper puts in an exceptionally great performance as a drifter who slowly discovers the alien plot to subjugate the human race. The manner in which the aliens overtly take over is disturbing and humorous. We all have experienced the feeling that we are being manipulated and deceived to further the plans of others. This film proves it.

Best Scene: The five and a half minute long fist fight between Jon (Piper) and Frank (Keith David) over a pair of sunglasses. It is one of the most realistic of all time.

Friend's Pics

steel wool, 4k sony slow mo, a lighter and youtube searching---Cinematographer/FS Instructor James Neihouse

Walkie Talkie Radio Etiquette on a Film Set

Tips for Proper Radio Use:
*Be professional
*Always use your name when identifying yourself. Common practice is to say "Go for ____(your name)" when someone calls for you.
* Keep your voice low when taking on the radio. Most crew will have ear pieces but keep your voice down. Especially when around actors. Just because they are not in front of camera does not mean they are not working.
*Know that anyone could be hearing your conversation.
* If you need to have an extended conversation (or private) take it to another channel. Do this  by telling the other person "Go to Channel___". For really private talks it's best to ask them to meet you in person.
*Production Assistants (P.A.s): If someone higher up than you has their radio battery go dead, give them yours and get yourself a new one. Same if their radio breaks. Be prepared by carrying a couple of extra radio batteries with you. You are being Johnny On the Spot by being so prepared!
* Always say "copy" meaning that you heard and understand. Without a response, people wonder if you heard them or not.

Common Radio Codes:
10-1: Going to the bathroom doing #1
10-2: Going to the bathroom doing #2 (It's not to be gross, just saying that it will take a little longer than #1)
10-4: I have heard and understand
10-20 or 20: Location of someone or something as in "What's your 20?"
"Copy": I Have heard and understand
"Do You Copy?": Did you hear me? Do you understand?
"Radio Check": Say this if you are not sure that your radio is transmitting or working. The proper response is "Good Check". If you hear someone ask for a radio check....respond!
"Stand by": Means that I am busy at the moment and will respond ASAP.
"Flying In": Always respond when asked to bring something or someone to the set. It lets them know that you are on it. Also lets us know that multiple people are not attempting to do the same task and wasting precious manpower and time.

Fancy Film Words

Mis En Scene (miz-en-scen)- Translated as "Placing on stage". It is the arrangement of all of the visual elements of a theatrical production within the scene or stage. There are generally 4 elements:
1. Physical setting and decor
2. Staging of the action
3. The way in which the elements are framed
4. The way in which the elements are photographed

Fancy Film Words

Mis En Scene (miz-en-scen)- Translated as "Placing on stage". It is the arrangement of all of the visual elements of a theatrical production within the scene or stage. There are generally 4 elements:
1. Physical setting and decor
2. Staging of the action
3. The way in which the elements are framed
4. The way in which the elements are photographed

Friend's Pics

Making ghosts for my short film #thehauntedhouse--Wes Alley

Friend's Pics

Fun times at Cape Canveral. Maven Launch of the Atlas V401 to Mars------Sound Recordist and FS Instructor Alex Ginzo

Friend's Pics

Shooting with the guys who make commercials for Quicksilver, Patagonia, Hurley. etc.. Needless to say, I'm Stoked to be their shooter, it's a good fit.-----Cinematographer Leo Jaramillo

Friend's Pics

The gods are favoring me tonight. The winds are real calm in Ave Maria, FL---FS grad Dan Abbott

Dialogue Greatness

The Big Steal (1949)

Jane Greer to Robert Mitchum: What I like about you is you’re rock bottom. I wouldn’t expect you to understand this, but it’s a great comfort for a girl to know she could not possibly sink any lower.

Film Crew Slang

"John Ford"- A technique where an actor walks toward the camera (downstage) in the course of a long take eventually walking into his own close-up. Director John Ford was know for utilizing this technique for dramatic effect and to eliminate the need for additional shots. John Ford is THE preeminent director of the classic cowboy film. You should immediately rent "The Searchers" (starring John Wayne) to see a truly great director in action.

Dialogue Greatnes

“Alright you Primitive Screwheads, listen up! You see this? This… is my boomstick! The twelve-gauge double-barreled Remington. S-Mart’s top of the line. You can find this in the sporting goods department. That’s right, this sweet baby was made in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Retails for about a hundred and nine, ninety five. It’s got a walnut stock, cobalt blue steel, and a hair trigger. That’s right. Shop smart. Shop S-Mart. You got that?”
-----Ash (Bruce Campbell) in Army of Darkness (1992)

Friend's Pics

Fun shoot yesterday!---Contributed by Kenny Pete

Film Crew Slang

"Birch"- A 4x8 ft piece of birch plywood. It is used as a "dance floor" for a camera dolly when you need a hard flat surface to roll over. Commonly used outdoors in grass, sand etc., it creates a stable and smooth surface. Birch is used because it is extremely hard and can take the weight of the dolly, camera and at least 1 camera person riding the dolly.

"Dance floor"- A floor manufactured by the grip department that helps a dolly, crane or other mobile camera platform glide smoothly across a surface.

Friend's Pics

My Daughter and I at the Enders Game premier---SPFX Specialist Ken Gorrell

Friend's Pics

All work and no play makes Wess a dull gaffer!!!----FS Grad Wes Alley

Friend's Pics

Night Ext---FBS Grad Jay Shropshire

No Respect

"On Halloween, parents sent their kids out looking like me!" 
Rodney Dangerfield (Comedian/movie star best known for "Caddyshack"1980)

Film Crew Sla

"On a Bell "- When shooting on a Sound Stage, a bell will ring telling us:

One Ring-Rolling

Two Rings-Cut
Usually the Sound Recordist has control of the bell.

Friend's Pics

Matt Pinfield and me worked together for 120 minutes today--Kenny Beaumont

Friend's Pics

Hey, shooting someone named Harrison. Who played an archeologist, a space smuggler, and a bladerunner in some movies. Humble Brag.---Cinematographer Leo Jaramillo

Friend's Pics

Working in the mock up of the Cupola which is on the International Space Station with astronauts Don Pettit and Marsha Ivins, while IMAX Space Team co-producer Judy Carroll and producer/director Toni Myers look on. It's been a great week here at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX. Finally getting our next IMAX space film moving forward!---Cinematographer and FS InstructorJames Neihouse

Friend's Pics

Loving life... coats, hoodies, scarves, beenies.... Southern California!!!-Contributed by FBS Grad Wes Alley

There are original screenplays available for public viewing from Leigh Brackett, an author and screenwriter...

http://www.pntonline.com/2013/10/29/enmu-library-holds-film-history/

Film Crew Slang

Spritzer- No... it is not a carbonated wine cocktail on set. A spritzer is a pump/spray bottle of water used for misting an actor's skin to make it appear wet or sweaty. It is a way of controlling the "wet look" for continuity of shots.

A Brief History of Fake Blood

http://pressrepublican.com/community-news-network/x134986792/A-brief-history-of-fake-blood

Freind's Pics

An extremely talented spider....Rob Tuscani, Course Director of Lighting FBS Degree

Dialogue Greatness

“I'm sure that we can handle this situation maturely, just like the responsible adults that we are. Isn't that right, Mr. Poopy Pants?”---Frank Drebin (Leslie Neilsen) in "The Naked Gun 2 1/2 (1991)

Film Crew Slang

"Push/Pull" or "Vertigo Shot"-A camera technique originally famous for it's use by Alfred Hitchcock during his film Vertigo that involves tracking backwards while simultaneously zooming in. It creates the illusion that the person or object in the center of the image is stationary while their surroundings change.

CalArts students add a contemporary sound to silent movies

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-silent-films-cal-arts-20131016,0,1786429.story

Friend's Pics

Zaxcom Nomad 10. The rest is some stuff I had or just bought. The bag I just got in today. Petrol PS 602. Some Lectros and I have some Sennheiser EW G3's. One day hopefully I'd either like to get all Zaxcom wireless or Lectrocs. Baby stepping just for now.---Alex Ginzo, FS Instructor

Friend's Pics

That's me with the IMAX 3D Solido camera on a Chapman crane filming the launch of STS-125 at the Kennedy Space Center, May, 2009.---James Neihouse

Friend's Pics

Petey Pete

Friend's Pics

For all you Sons of Anarchy fans out there, I'm shooting Anarchy Afterward tonight. Right after the show. Spoiler Alerts for all my West Coast friends, I suggest you watch it after you see tonight's episode. Enjoy!-----FBS Grad  Cameraman Louis Normandin

10 Classic Films Whose Themes Still Ring True Today

http://whatculture.com/film/10-classic-films-whose-themes-still-ring-true-today.php

Pick of the Week

"Blue Velvet" (1986) directed by David Lynch
A severed human ear is found in a field leading a young man into the strange hidden world of suburbia.
Best Scene: "Frank is so f**** suave!"

Dialogue Greatness

“To do then now would be retro. To do then then was very now-tro, if you will.”
--Mark Shubb (Harry Shearer) in "A Mighty Wind" (2003)

Film Crew Slang

Lexan: A plastic sheeting, available in varying widths, that is optically clear and used to protect camera personnel from explosions or other things that may put them & the camera at risk.

First Film to Shoot With Google Glass Channels Edison Short

Short Film: 'The Kiss' is the First Short Shot with Google Glass

Pick of the Week

"The Re-Animator"(1985) Directed by Stuart Gordon
Med school student Herbert West experiments with re-animating dead tissue. His professor dies in the lab under weird circumstances and Herbert is forced to continue his "re-agent"work at a new university. Gore and humor propel us through a Frankenstein/Jekyle & Hyde/Zombie hybrid flick based on an original story by master of horror H.P. Lovecraft. On a relatively low budget this picture provides excellent production value, performances and direction. It is deftly designed for hardcore horror fans who revel in the absurdly gross. Popularity led to a series of re-animator films. If you enjoy "The Evil Dead","Dead Alive" and the "Living Dead" films, "The Re-Animator" belongs in your Netflix cue. 

Film Crew Slang

Deal Memo- A one page agreement between the production company and a crew member spelling out pay rate and conditions of employment. It may also contain provisions for kit rentals and professional behavior.

Kit Rental- Equipment personally owned by crew that is rented to the production. A nice way to make extra money.

Dialogue Greatness

"Which reminds me of the time an Englishman, Irishman, Scotsman, a Vicar, a Rabbi
 and a Priest all go into a bar and the barman looks up and says 'Is this a joke?'”
---Rev. Walter Goodfellow (Rowan Atkinson) in "Keeping Mum" (2005)

A guy walks into a film set ....

Crew jokes are a staple of the industry. There are many jokes and many versions of the same ones. Once you are no longer "green" on a set, they tend to make sense. Lets ease in for starters:
How many Stuntmen does it take to screw in a light bulb?
Five. One to screw it in and four to tell him how bitchin' he looked doing it.
How many Camera Assistants does it take to screw in a light bulb?
Five. One to do it and four to tell you how they did it on the last job.
Are you seeing a pattern here?

Today's Office...-FBS Grad Jay S.

Film Crew Slang

Hero- A special item, prop or accessory. As in “Gimme the Hero Bomb, we are shooting the close-up.” This is a request for the best looking bomb. We are about to cut the blue wire….or is it the red wire? Most commonly television commercials  have Hero as the star. The big juicy burger that is 6 inches tall, steaming hot is the “Hero” or “Hero Product”. The Hero “Product Shot “is usually the last shot of the day.

This my new office, it's the only place within 10 miles of my house that my 4G hotspot works. Not too shabby.---FBS grad Robert H.

...And Your Little Dog Too!

"The Wizard of Oz" in 3D:
 http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865586710/Following-the-yellow-brick-road-The-history-of-Oz-in-film.html?pg=all

Dialogue Greatness

“Dear Lillian, soon I hope to take you on a Caribbean cruise, where we can hold hands on a soft summer's evening and watch that old Jamaican moon. Why that old Jamaican will be mooning us, I have no idea.”
   ----Roland T. Flakfizer (John Tuturro) in "Brain Donors", 1992

“I once stole a pornographic book that was printed in Braille. I used to rub the dirty parts.”
  ---Fielding Mellish (Woody Allen) in "Bananas", 1971  

Film of the Week

Vietnam Documentary

Currently viewing The Anderson Platoon (1967) directed by Indochine War veteran Pierre Schoendoerffer. Shot in Vietnam in1966, it is a portrait of 33 GIs led by black West Point graduate Lieutenant Joseph Anderson.  Schoendoerffer follows them for 6 weeks through search and destroy missions, downtime and back in again. It won the 1967 Academy Award for Documentary Feature and several other prestigious awards including Cannes.

On set--contributed by Petey Pete

"The Story of Film: An Odyssey" showing on Turner Classic Movies

http://www.tcm.com/this-month/article/650688|0/The-Story-of-Film-An-Odyssey-Mondays-Tuesdays-in-September.html

Walkie Talkie Radio Etiquette on a Film Set

Tips for Proper Radio Use:
*Be professional
*Always use your name when identifying yourself. Common practice is to say "Go for ____(your name)" when someone calls for you.
* Keep your voice low when taking on the radio. Most crew will have ear pieces but keep your voice down. Especially when around actors. Just because they are not in front of camera does not mean they are not working.
*Know that anyone could be hearing your conversation.
* If you need to have an extended conversation (or private) take it to another channel. Do this  by telling the other person "Go to Channel___". For really private talks it's best to ask them to meet you in person.
*Production Assistants (P.A.s): If someone higher up than you has their radio battery go dead, give them yours and get yourself a new one. Same if their radio breaks.
* Always say "copy" meaning that you heard and understand. Without a response, people wonder if you heard them or not.

Common Radio Codes:
10-1: Going to the bathroom doing #1
10-2: Going to the bathroom doing #2 (It's not to be gross, just saying that it will take a little longer than #1)
10-4: I have heard and understand
10-20 or 20: Location of someone or something as in "What's your 20?"
"Copy": I Have heard and understand
"Do You Copy?": Did you hear me? Do you understand?
"Radio Check": Say this if you are not sure that your radio is transmitting or working. The proper response is "Good Check". If you hear someone ask for a radio check....respond!
"Stand by": Means that I am busy at the moment and will respond ASAP.
"Flying In": Always respond when asked to bring something or someone to the set. It lets them know that you are on it. Also lets us know that multiple people are not attempting to do the same task and wasting precious manpower and time.

Film Crew Slang

Vanities- A term sometimes used by the crew to describe the folks in charge of hair and make up.

10 Ways to Avoid Being Killed by a Horror Movie Monster

10 Ways to Avoid Being Killed by a Horror Movie Monster

Friend's Pics

INT. WIDE -DAY. "A group of people discussing various things about something nonspecific that they have with them." Shooting at 9pm, has to look like bright sunny day---Cinematographer Leo Jaramillo

Film Slang

Magic Hour – the time right before sunrise or after sunset where the sky is somewhat dark but still illuminated. Magic Hour only lasts about 20 minutes despite its name.

$$$

GTA V Most Expensive Video Game in History - Budget More than ... WCCFtech

In fact if GTA V would have been a movie it would be the Second Highest Budgeted Film in the History of Film. Thats right GTA V Most Expensive Video Game ...

Tom checking out the shot-----Swani Swan

Started today off shooting at the Grand Canyon. Amazing views, beautiful in every direction! I need stronger sunscreen--Swani Swan

Dialogue Greatness

“Attention. Here's an update on tonight's dinner. It was veal. I repeat, veal. The winner of tonight's mystery meat contest is Jeffrey Corbin who guessed ‘some kind of beef.’”

 Bill Murray (as Tripper) in "Meatballs"(1979)

Friend's Pics

Dave Chmela working his magic---Cinematoghrapher Robert Tuscani

Dialogue Greatness

"Cleanse them. Cleanse the world of their ignorance and sin. Bathe them in the crimson of ... am I on speakerphone?" — Mordecai (Tim Zarn)---"The Cabin in the Woods" 2012

Pool Job!--FBS Graduate Jay Shropshire

Ang Lee's Next Film Is A 3D Drama About Boxing History Cinema Blend

Before we get too concerned that the film will just be a bunch of disconnected boxing reenactments, Deadline says Peter Morgan is on board to write the script; ...

Proud to Announce my short film titled " Whites Only" is an official selection to the Catalina Film festival.

Dates September 18 - 22 in LA. Catalina Island to be exact. Come support.---FBS Grad Petey Sylvert

"Hershey's Chocolate Syrup..."FBS Grad Jay Shropshire

I don't know which I'm more excited about. Shooting Steve Martin today or Oreo's new "Mega Stuff" cookie---Louis Normandin,FBS Graduate

Friend's Pics

Still on set. Long day---FBS Grad Petey Pete Sylvert

Film Slang

Kiss: A light that gently brushes a subject.

Free Film School #109: A Brief History of Movie Makeup
Crave Online
Professor Witney Seibold raises a glass to the oft-overlooked makeup
artists of cinema's history, and all the glamor, gore, and monsters they
create. July 23rd, 2013 Witney Seibold. Planet of the Apes. Welcome, my
dear students, to the latest edition ...
http://www.craveonline.com/film/articles/540221-free-film-school-109-a-brief-history-of-movie-makeup

Great Cheesy Films to Watch

"Hit Lady" (1964)- Bikini clad mob assassin Yvette Mimeux stars in this Groovy picture.

Friend's Pics

I want this couch..._ Contributed by  FBS Grad Jay Shropshire

Models