The 7 Dumbest Mistakes You Can Make On Your 1st Day On Set!

http://www.theblackandblue.com/2012/06/13/dumbest-mistakes/

Presenting Awards to winning Directors in Shenzhen. Host asked "If I had to choose between Director of Documentaries, Professor or Writer which would I choose?" I said, " For me all of these occupations are about learning and sharing, so I don't have to choose, they are all one thing."----Producer/Director Jim Martin

Firend's Pics

Was a beautiful night for an Atlas launch here at Cape Canaveral!----Cinematographer James Neihouse

Film Production Radio Etiquette 101

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.

Martin Scosese's List of Films Aspiring Filmmakers Should See

Scorses'e List Link

Friend's Pics

Today marks 16 years of continuous habitation of the International Space Station. I am very proud to have been a part of documenting its construction for our IMAX film Space Station 3D. The station played a pivotal role in our latest IMAX space film, A Beautiful Planet, which was shot by the astronaut crews of the ISS in 2014 & 2015. Congratulations to NASA and all the international partners, for proving we, as human beings, can live and work together for the betterment of all.---Cinematographer James Neihouse

Happy Halloween--Writer/Director Kenny Beaumont and Family

Before there was A Nightmare on Elm Street, before Alien there was "The Tingler" (1959). A parasite that attaches to your spine causing hallucinatory nightmares that kill you. It grows stronger when you are afraid. This film is a classic from the mind of horror director/producer William Castle. When the film came out there was also a device attached to seats in some movie theaters called Percepto! which when activated by onscreen action violently vibrated your seat. How cool is that?

October

October is my favorite time for being a movie fan/geek. There are so many crazy films from present and past available with just the click of your hand on the remote. I just watched Roman Polanski's The Fearless Vampire Killers (1967). Comedy horror at it's best well before Shawn of the Dead. What is also great is the European title for this film Pardon Me, But Your Fangs Are In My Neck!  Stay tuned for more.

I kinda love all the things hidden just out of frame in this shot - watch out for the boom when you shift.---Cinematographer Eduardo Fierro

Rob Tuscani

Film Crew Slang

Bump: A bump is a one-time pay bonus offered to a crew member for a specialty service performed such as a stunt, operating special equipment or being a Special Business Extra.

Special Business Extra: An extra who has been coached by the director to perform a specific action during a scene. They might be answering a telephone, dropping an item, guarding a door etc. In the credits you will see them listed as Policeman#1 or Man on Phone etc.

Extra: Actors who may walk around or appear in a scene but do not speak on screen. They are background and some may mime speaking.

Friend's Pics

I took this photo right before we started our screening yesterday. Over 10 years of hustling to get to this point. Free jobs, pack your camera in your car jobs, favor jobs, jobs in the desert, jobs through the night, gaffing for other DP's, working in photo as an assistant, working as a PA, getting coffee for others, relationships, lost time with my kids, upsetting the Union, Joining the Union, paying to stay in the Union, making other people successful, recognizing your Achilles heels and developing them. All those pounds of flesh we threw into the fire. This circuitous route has led us here, to this screening room, screening our movie as tears roll down the faces of the some of the most elite powerbrokers in the film business as they expeditiously determine what is next. The buzz, that lightness knowing, there wasn't anymore you could do, that you put it out there on the line not for just this movie but for your entire life.----Cinematographer Leo Jaramillo

Today was hard.
But I am happy with what we got.---Cinematographer Eduardo Fierro

Well I think I did well.
For not having the right tools.
Helping my friend do her Opera Prima. Good job so far 😜💥👊🏼💪🏼 Jena Rice "Me, You and Gasoline"

Friend's Pics

This is one way to get me to go to the mall.---Joel Wheatley

Atlanta deemed top U.S. city for moviemakers

http://www.myajc.com/news/entertainment/movies/atlanta-deemed-top-us-city-for-moviemakers/nqNsd/

The build continues. Some building left, skinning flats, laying out the footprint of the set, standing and attaching walls, mudding the seams. Cutting and fitting trim.---Set Design instructor Frank Geremia

Dedication of The Haskell Wexler Endowed Chair in Documentary at USC School of Cinematic Arts. Looks like a full house to honor a great documentarian/cinematographer.----Cinematographer James Neihouse, ASC

Friend's Pics

Our first time at the Hollywood Bowl. Thought we'd make it a memorable one!---Colin Hart

Thank you to everyone who came out in support of our film "Finding Eden." Thank you to everyone at the Georgia Latino Film Festival for helping premiere our film. Onward to the next viewing in Orlando.---FBS Graduate Rodney Luis Aquino

Working at Raymond James Stadium---FBS Grad Alvin Renz

Global Peace Film Festival Sept 19 - 25

http://peacefilmfest.org/

Only a couple of days left in this Orlando Film Fest.

Dialogue Greatness

"There's no reason to become alarmed, and we hope you'll enjoy the rest of your flight. By the way, is there anyone on board who knows how to fly a plane?"
Airplane! (1980)

Jonathan Davenport and I are proud to announce "The Rub" web series has been nominated in 3 categories in the upcoming Miami Web Fest: Best Directing, Best Mockumentary, and Best in Florida!

Come to the screening next Friday evening at 5:45pm. (http://miamiwebfest.com/schedule for details) --Kenny Beaumont

 

 

Friend's Pics

Checking out the "DRIVEN" footage from our Pikeville, KY shoot with Frank Soldridge behind the wheel of his SIQQ Corvette Stingray. What Drives You?---FBS Grad Rodney Luis Aquino

Saddened by the passing of Curtis Hanson. He inadvertently directed my path into filmmaking(and Spinotti) after seeing "LA Confidential" when I was young. My roots as a DP and my style is grounded in that movie specifically. Those of you who know me and work with me can see this image and see much of me. I was looking forward to thanking my list of heroes personally when some of this new work gets out, and he will be missed.---Leo Jaramillo

Radio

On Set 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): Be prepared by carrying a couple of extra radio batteries with you. If someone's go dead 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.

Film Crew Slang

"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.

Film Crew Slang

Jack Lord- A 50mm lens. It is named after the star of 1970's t.v. show "Hawaii Five-O". Get it?

Mickey Rooney- When operating a camera dolly a Mickey Rooney is a "little creep"--a slow subtle movement. Named for the diminutive actor who must have annoyed some crew members.

Friend's Pics

Today's office, Pollution Studios, L.A.-----FBS grad  Lou Normandin

Friend's Pics

Final 5.1 mix-down---Director Kenny Beaumont

Merrily merrily merrily, life is but a dream.  — at Port of Los Angeles.

Friend's Pics

Was a really great honor to have Astronaut and IMAX cameraman Terry Virts along with Apollo 11 Astronaut, Buzz Aldrin at the screening of 'A Beautiful Planet' for Kennedy Space Center employees this afternoon. 47 years ago today Mr. Aldrin was on his way back to earth after having walked on the moon!-----James Neihouse, Cinematographer

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.

Friends Pics

On the shoulders of greatness. The next job is going to be killer.--Cinematographer Leo Jaramillo

Film Crew Slang

Slug Line- In a screenplay it is the Master Scene Heading that describes the basic where and when of the scene.
Example:
INT. ROBERT'S OFFICE-DAY  (Interior of Roberts office in daytime)
EXT. STREET-NIGHT (Exterior on a Street at Night

Friend's Pics

Highlight of my day, getting to talk the great Vittorio Storaro, AIC, ASC - one of the greatest cinematographers ever.----Cinematographer James Neihouse, ASC

On Set 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): Be prepared by carrying a couple of extra radio batteries with you. If someone's go dead 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.

Film Crew Slang

Slug Line- In a screenplay it is the Master Scene Heading that describes the basic where and when of the scene.
Example:
INT. ROBERT'S OFFICE-DAY  (Interior of Roberts office in daytime)
EXT. STREET-NIGHT (Exterior on a Street at Night)

Friend's Pics

His name is Guybrush Threepwood, and he wants to be a pirate!---FS GRad Xavier Arijs

Yesterday---Cinematographer Jose Zambrano Cassella

Got to meet 'Warcraft' director Duncan Jones this morning! Looking forward to seeing the film.---Cinematographer James Neihouse

Dialogue Greatness

“Yeah I called her up, she gave me a bunch of crap about me not listening to her, or something, I don't know, I wasn't really paying attention.”
 
-----Harry Dunne (Jeff Daniels) in Dumb & Dumber, 1994

Fancy Film Words to Know

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

The Two men on the left are my favorite camera professors. I hope to make great from what they have taught me.---FS

Film Crew Slang

Walkaway"- A location where crew are able to leave the much of the gear in place at the conclusion of the day (wrap) for the next shooting day. It is more productive and efficient than unloading and packing up each day. Not usually possible unless the location is secure, has security and weather proof.

"Walkaway"(2)- Another use of the term "walkaway" is when referring to a meal break without food being provided to the crew by the production. It is standard for production companies to feed the crew due to efficiency, tradition and union/guild contracts but walkaway does happen in certain situations.

Dialogue Greatness

The Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
Ron Burgundy: (on the fight between local anchormen) Boy, that escalated quickly. I mean, that really got out of hand fast!
Champ Kind: It jumped up a notch.
Ron Burgundy: It did, didn't it?
Brick Tamland: Yeah, I stabbed a man in the heart.
Ron Burgundy: I saw that! Brick killed a guy! Did you throw a trident?
Brick Tamland: Yeah, there were horses, and a man on fire, and I killed a guy with a trident.
Ron Burgundy: Brick, I've been meaning to talk to you about that. You should probably find yourself a safe house or a relative close by. Lay low for a while, because you're probably wanted for murder.

She called herself "Dee," and she used to walk laps outside my old apartment in the Valley along time ago. She held herself in high regard and decorum. Always polite, always graceful. But there was an air of mystery that seem to encircle her, as if she was from the upper crust of yesteryear. She knew exactly how to pose Infront of the 1958 Rolleiflex and which lens to play to(since there are two lenses and only one takes photo). She immediately adjusted her angle and said, "I'm Ready." I snapped two frames, and thanked her. I told her that her style reminded me of Audrey Hepburn, immediately she responded with "I never could stand her," and walked off. She passed away, a few weeks later along with all those secrets.

-----Leo Jaramillo

Mic check FS7 at Diamond View Studios--A. Renz

Film Crew Slang

Ritter Fan- A specialty fan for big wind effects. It is absolutely HUGE. Large wooden propeller blades set on a frame & trailer with an auto or airplane engine to run it. Imagine having an airboat as a fan.

Break the Bubble: Tilting the camera off of it's axis. Tripods have a level bubble that is usually set to balance the camera so that it is straight and upright. Breaking the bubble makes it uneven. Also called a Dutch Angle or Canted Angle.

Friend's Pics

My first Golden Reel show tonight! So very honored to be a part of such an amazing community of sound professionals!
I had the amazing opportunity to work on 3 projects that were nominated this year: Last Shift, Joyride: The Prequel, and Star Wars: Battlefront.
Thanks to everyone who has helped me get to this point, and everyone who has come alongside me and pushes me to improve!----Colin Hart

Film Crew Slang

Slug Line- In a screenplay it is the Master Scene Heading that describes the basic where and when of the scene.
Example:
INT. ROBERT'S OFFICE-DAY  (Interior of Roberts office in daytime)
EXT. STREET-NIGHT (Exterior on a Street at Night)

Final mix of Blood and Steel. Great documentary, great music, and great friends. Pushing up the faders to play Whiplash by Metallica...F$ck'n Sick!

On set today. Pre-Lighting at Comtel Studios---FBS grad Alvin Renz

It is with great joy and sadness, that the final frame of principle photography has been shot. 6 short of the Champagne Roll, it has been truly an honor to spend nearly four months here in New Orleans working with such great people.---Leo Jaramillo

Days of rehearsals and we NAILED it. Good work team! at Warner Bros. Stage 16------FBS grad Brent Martin

Lock and Load FS 700 at Tampa Convention Center---Alvin Renz

See the World," they said. "Meet interesting people," they said. "The World is yours with a career in Showbiz!"---Leo Jaramillo

Film Crew Slang

"Forced Call"- When cast or crew are required to be on set without the minimum amount of time off (turnaround time). For example: If after wrap, your next day's call time is in less than 12 hours it is considered a forced call. This does not include general prep or last minute things you choose to do in order to prepare for the next day.

Had fun shooting this spot for Skystorm and with a bunch of friend---Cinematographer Eduardo Fierro

3rd year in a row! Vegas! at SHOT SHOW---Tim Yoder

Camera and wings---FBS Grad Alvin Renz

On Set 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): Be prepared by carrying a couple of extra radio batteries with you. If someone's go dead 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.

One helluva-focus-puller on a beach. Mo Vega---Robert Tuscani