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