Film Crew Slang

"Bracketing"-Shooting the scene several times with different F-stops/T-stops to create a range of exposure effects.

F-stop-The amount of light transmitted by a lens based on a simple mathematical calculation. Focal Length of lens divided by the diameter of the aperture.
But different lenses will take in different amounts of light depending on the number of elements in them. So two lenses with an aperture of f4 may actually allow different amounts of light to pass through them. One might create a brighter image than the other.

T-stop-Similar to F-stop but a T-stop is measurement of the actual amount of transmitted light for a particular lens as opposed to the theoretical calculation of an F-stop.
T-stops are used mostly in the motion picture industry.

Thanks to a great friend for this! Looks like I'll have to make a trip to ABQ soon. Too cool not to share-"To Brent. work for me!W.W. Brian Cranston"--Brent M.

The Godfather Legacy on H2 (History Channel 2)

I ran across this doc by accident today "The Godfather Legacy". A great look at the film with interviews from director Francis Ford Coppola, writer Mario Puzzo, many of the actors, mafia experts and former wise guys! Check it out if you get a chance.

Friend's Pics

havin fun on this spot, tonight's' location in NYC--Jay S.

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

Furniture commercials are much more bearable with all the toys, good people, and some extra coffee--Tim Yoder

Friend's Pics

Ever wonder what $4 million dollars worth of IMAX 3D cameras looks like? Well now you know.--James Neihouse

Friend's Pics

Last Shift M&E mix--- Sound Editor MIke O.

Film Crew Slang

"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. 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.

Friend's Pics

Here's a photo of comet Lovejoy I shot a few minutes ago, it is at it's closest approach to night and will be visible, with binoculars, for the next few weeks. Just wish I were somewhere with really dark skies.--James Neihouse

Friend's Pics

Just finished voting for Oscar nominations! Look for the nomination announcement on January 15th!--Cinematographer James Neihouse

Film Crew Slang

Taco Cart- No it's not lunchtime. There is no food on this cart. It is a wheeled cart that Grips use to keep certain equipment within easy reach. Flags, stands, apple boxes and other essential equipment are staged on it for quick access. There are several different types and configurations but all serve the same purpose.

Pick of the Week

"Paradise Now" (2005)- A disturbing but humanistic film about two Palestinian friends in the occupied Western Bank. They have been recruited to become suicide bombers in Tel Aviv. It's more about people than politics, but the two cannot be separated. It won a Golden Globe and was Oscar nominated.

Film Crew Slang

Hero- A special item, prop or accessory that is on camera. 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? 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 on a commercial.

Friend's Pics

Frozen Lake in Ft. Collins=FBS Grad Claire M.

Friend's Pics

We all Scream!--Contributed by Leo Jaramillio

Walkie Talkie Radio Etiquette on Set

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.

Friend's Pics

Last night it was misting, and I noticed the street light reflecting off the wet pavement, so I talked my oldest son Joseph into being my subject. Used Topaz Simplify in Photoshop to add the funk.---Cinematographer James Neihouse