Awesome pic Bryan Sills found of some Riggs him and Enrique Ojeda did this year with my gear...Jay Shropshire

The holiday's celebration, as it was shown on the television show Seinfeld, includes a Festivus dinner, an unadorned aluminum Festivus pole, practices such as the "Airing of Grievances" and "Feats of Strength", and the labeling of easily explainable events as "Festivus miracles".

Festivus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

Eduardo Fierro--photo by Mo Vega

In your base taking pictures of your dudes!....Claire Mondragon

DIALOGUE GREATNESS

Adams Family Values (1993) -Gothic comedy based on the comics by Charles Addams. Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld.

Gomez: Children, why do you hate the baby?
Pugsley: We don't hate him. We just wanna play with him.
Wednesday: Especially his head.

FILM TERMS

Motivated Lighting: A style of lighting in which the light sources imitate existing sources, such as lamps or windows.

Well... this showed up. For some VR stuff....Cinematographer Eduardo Fierro

Friend's Pics

Got my 65mm @Kodak_ShootFilm for IMAX white shark film! #---Cinematographer James Neihouse

Team badass represent at Noter Dame Staduim---Nicholas Moo

Friend's Pics

Tasha C.

It was an honor. ‪#‎sirianmckellen‬ ‪#‎cinematography‬--- Leo Jaramillo

Friend's Pics

Rooftop screening of "Chinatown" tonight in Hollywood. Got my popcorn. — at The Montalban.---Lou Normandin

Re creating a wedding day is the best thing ever.---Alvin Renz

Friend's Pics

Cappuccino and bison chili while waiting for this bad boy to go off... Hopefully... Maybe... Please?----Colin Hart

Keep chasing those #dreams and have fun while you doing it. — at CBS Radford Studios.---Petey Pete

#‎MasterChef‬ Jr. Season 2 Champ Logan----FBS grad Chilli Horton

Got to play with the Zoom F8 yesterday. I liked it better than I thought I would...
My biggest issues were:
1. The crowded panel - not friendly to huge hands like mine.
2. The weird interface - not at all intuitive - could get used to it though.
3. The trim pots are really tiny and stiff, so accuracy is difficult. I found that it was very difficult to make tiny changes - levels jumped a lot, or didn't move at all, when I played with the trim pots.

The screen is great in full sun though, and it sounded better than I thought it would, though I'm not sure I like the limiters. I'll be doing a full side by side audio comparison with my 633 and 702 soon.
Side note, it fits pretty nicely in the ktek stingray for the 633------COLIN HART

Contingency plan, we fly out tomorrow and Friday now! Woooohoooo! I wanna film and photograph for these guys for these guys all the time, got my eye on becoming a quantum physicist when I grow up, sometime after 50 I'll start the path for that.---FBS grad Tasha Cooney in Palmdale California

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)

Thought about the color palette of movies and movie posters when I shot this naturally with these colors.---Leo Jaramillo

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, especially in an election year.

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.

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the expected yet still suddenly immediate retirement of my Canon 7D. Not sure if it was the sensor or shutter (sounded like the shutter) that hit its limit. My first camera and it has helped me capture amazing memories, moments, and video projects. Amazing blessing it happened the day after my gh4 came in and also on a shoot we can reschedule. Time to find a new photography camera.-----Brian Bass

When the Satellite motor breaks in the up position and you can't leave until and engineer gets here (25-35 minutes)--FBS grad Miguel Acosta

Find what you love and let it kill you---FBS Grad Alvin Renz

Friend's Pics

Supervising a Color Session on a feature I shot in Louisiana early this year. ‪#‎moriahpeters‬ is going to be a star. If you are in the neighborhood text me, they have free snacks! ‪#‎cinematography‬ ‪#‎featurefilm‬---Leo Jarramillo

Friend's Pics

See the footage from the camera at https://vimeo.com/18898917 all the way through where the glass breaks.--Cinematographer James Neihouse

Friend's Pics

I took this photograph in Nashville, TN. On the Right is the recording artist @moriahpeters and on the left is music video director @jonibrooke. This was shot the day before we shot Her music video, "Brave," which releases today(Google It!) As the Cinematographer, it's a real joy to collaborate with such level headed, smart women, who have a clear voice and understanding of what is practical and Good.------Leo Jaramillo

Dialogue Greatness

Cars 2 (2011)
Finn McMissile: Finn McMissile, British Intelligence.
Mater: Tow Mater, average intelligence.

Film Production Radio Etiquette

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.

This is only a small sample of the lingo used on sets. As you get more experienced in the professional world you will learn the language. Be aware that there are different variations on terms, so don’t look like a dummy. East Coast and West Coast terms sometimes differ. The British terms differ. Be willing to learn. When in doubt ask.

Today is the release of a clever film I was the ‪#‎Cinematographer‬ for. ‪#‎thejokestersmovie‬ necessitated that we have a camera fluid and move like a home video camera. We took an ‪#‎Red‬ ‪#‎Epic‬ and stripped it all the way down to essentials. Then we put remote gears with wireless transmitters and I basically wore the camera for the entire movie. In this scene we are running through a snowfield because of something climactic. I have such great support from my team, and we made a film that is worthy of being seen and can stand on its own in the /Foundfootage/Horror Genre. I'm proud of it and thankful to be apart of it. Check it out on IMDB, Amazon and ITunes. Thank you to the Guys.-----Leo Jaramillo

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)

Friend's Pics

Here's me in "Rock of Ages" using the classic acting technique known as smell the fart.--John McKerrow

Covering a homicide, on a bad part of town, in the tallest truck, while hell is breaking loose outside. Let's just say today is going to be an interesting day. All my FOX4 friends, call your Indy sister station and tell them it's not wise to stand out in a major thunderstorm. ---Miguel A.

Friend's Pics

Mike Wazowski...with Kenny and Sulley---Kenny B.

"Grip it Good" documentary about grips in film production

http://nofilmschool.com/2014/01/short-film-about-grips-the-unsung-heroes-of-the-film-industry

Raking across the water.--Louis Normandin

Our private screening room for the morning, I love my job! — at TCL Chinese Theatres.---Cinematographer James Neihouse

Friend's Pics

My final week at RFDtv, it has been a great opportunity but I am returning back to my roots for the fall. It's a freelance life for now!---FBS Grad Brian Bass

Film Crew Slang

High Key- An overall brightly lit scene with few shadows. Low contrast.
Low Key- High contrast lighting with many shadows and areas of darkness.

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.

Action!--Xavier Arjis

This is a crop from the full size, 4K, image of the space station from the sun crossing composite shot. You can see a lot more detail in the station. The Station was 265 miles away when this image was made.----James Neihouse

Friend's Pics

Got an overhead pass of the International Space Station tonight and ended up with a slightly better image. Canon 1DC, Canon 800mm f/5.6 with 2X extender, 4K video mode. At the time this was taken the station was about 300 miles away and was traveling at 17,167mph.  I think I can do better, but this ain't too bad.----Cinematographer James Neihouse

Film Crew Slang

Some film terms have multiple meanings depending on the context, for example "ND".

ND" (1)- "Nondescript". People and things that are part of the scene but won't draw undo attention are sometimes called ND by Assistant Directors. "Get three ND Background (background extras)  for the newspaper stand!"

"ND" (2)- Neutral density filter. An ND filter is a gray glass camera filter that blocks a certain amount of light evenly across the light spectrum. It is placed in front of the lens to reduce exposure while not affecting the color of the image. Crew may also tape plastic sheets (gels) of ND to windows to reduce light coming in through the windows. There are several grades of filters in several ranges.
See photo below:

First (successful) attempt at photographing the International Space Statio This was shot on the evening of June 21 as the station was passing over Central Florida, sorta. Camera was a Canon EOS 1DC with the Canon 800mm f/5.6 telephoto with a 2X tele extender, in 4K video mode. The pass was not an overhead pass, so the station was not as close it could be, closest approach was about 450 miles (it was actually over Myrtle Beach, SC). A direct overhead pass would almost cut that distance in half, doubling the the apparent size of the station.----Cinematographer James Neihouse

Friend's Pics

Well into the overnight shoot!---Brian B.

Dialogue Greatness

Comedian Steve Martin as Navin R. Johnson in "The Jerk" (1979):

Navin Johnson: Well I'm gonna to go then! And I don't need any of this. I don't need this stuff, and I don't need you. I don't need anything. Except this.
(He picks up an ashtray) 
Navin Johnson: And that's the only thing I need is this. I don't need this or this. Just this ashtray... And this paddle game. - The ashtray and the paddle game and that's all I need... And this remote control. - The ashtray, the paddle game, and the remote control, and that's all I need... And these matches. - The ashtray, and these matches, and the remote control, and the paddle ball... And this lamp. The ashtray, this paddle game, and the remote control, and the lamp, and that's all I need. And that's all I need too. I don't need one other thing, not one... I need this. The paddle game and the chair, and the remote control, and the matches for sure. Well what are you looking at? What do you think I'm some kind of a jerk or something! And this. That's all I need.
(walking away outside the house)
Navin Johnson: The ashtray, the remote control, the paddle game, and this magazine, and the chair. 
Navin Johnson: And I don't need one other thing, except my dog.
(His dog growls)
Navin Johnson: I don't need my dog. 

Spain Day 32. Playing with swords from Ridley's Gladiator.---Jeff Hart

Makin it rain up in this piece!---Kenny Beaumont at Sundance Labs

Misconceptions about Film: Product Placement

Product Placement is a way in which companies buy advertising space in a film for their client's products. It also is a way for a producer to fund some film production costs. Obvious examples include: Reese's Pieces in  Spielberg's "E.T. The Extraterrestrial"; Popeye's Chicken in Adam Sandler's "Little Nicky"; and the all time king of shameless product placement ...Michael Bay hawking General Motors  products and several others in "Transformers".
The Misconception: Students often think that if they place a product very prominently in their film that it may entice product placement payments. Wrong. It could actually get you in legal trouble. A deal has to be struck with the advertiser/company prior to featuring it in your film. They protect the image and associations of their products very carefully. What if parts of the film are offensive to the client or the client's perception of their demographic of customers? You have to solicit them and cut a deal contractually. Also, film festivals may have strict rules about copyright. 
Product placement is a marketing strategy used by companies to promote their products. Placements usually fall into two categories: 
1. Donated to reduce production costs
2. Placed in exchange for monetary compensation 

We don't like Tripods.---Leo Jaramillo

THAT'S A WRAP!! We are officially done with production for Season 1!! Be sure to tune in next weekend for the premiere of The Outsiders Club! Stay tuned for show times.---FBS grad Chiiil Horton

Got a very nice surprise this morning, an IMAX cap! What's so special about that you ask? It was flown and worn in space by our suburb astronaut cameraman Butch Wilmore, during his 6 month stay aboard the International Space Station!---Cinematographer James Neihouse

Film Production Radio Etiquette

Walkie Talkie Radio Etiquette on 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.

This is only a small sample of the lingo used on sets. As you get more experienced in the professional world you will learn the language. Be aware that there are different variations on terms, so don’t look like a dummy. East Coast and West Coast terms sometimes differ. The British terms differ. Be willing to learn. When in doubt ask.

Friend's Pics

Day 1 complete, thank you everyone.--Director of Photography Leo Jaramillo

Shoting in Spain Spain Day 14--Jeffrey Hart

Friend's Pics

Leo Jaramillo