Dialogue Greatness!

 "The Outlaw Josie Wales"(1976) - Clint Eastwood is civil war gunman Josie Wales battling the those who murdered his family. He encounters a snake oil salesman who foolishly chooses to try to sell his "medicinal" to the stoic gunfighter. The carpetbagger rolls off an impossibly long a list of ailment cures and uses for his potion. The salesman finally finishes his list smiling confidently.  Josie ponders it for a second:

Josie: [spits a glob of tobacco juice directly on the man's white suit]  "How's it for stains?"

 

 

 

 

 

Film Slang

 Hot Set- After the master shot is complete, everything in view is now "Hot". Don't touch or move anything lest you mess up the continuity of future shots. A chair in the wrong place, a closed book that was previously open, a missing ashtray etc.

Master Shot- We film a master shot to capture all of the key dialogue, action and plot points of a scene. Usually it is a somewhat wide frame (but not always). Once the scene has been established in this way, we can shoot coverage, the many and varied specialty shots to enhance the edit and tell the story.

Film Biz Joke

  The Devil tells a Hollywood Agent, "I can make you richer, more famous, and more successful than any agent alive. In fact, I can make you the greatest agent that ever lived."

"Ok" says the agent, "what do I have to do in return?"

The Devil smiles, "Well... of course you have to give me your soul," he says, "but you also have to give me the souls of your children, the souls of your children's children and, as a matter of fact, you must give me the souls of all your descendants through eternity!"

"Hold on," the agent says cautiously, "What's the catch?"

 Jordan Taylor, Associate Director ESPN

 

 

 A few shots from our remote camera setup yesterday in preparation for the Ax1-SpaceX launch that lifted off this morning.---Cinematographer James Neihouse, A.S.C.

 

 

Film Slang/Jargon

 "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.

Movie Pic from the Past

 "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.

 

 

 

Walkie Talkie Radio Etiquette for a Film Set

 

Walkie Talkie Radio Etiquette for 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.
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.

Depending on where you are and who you are working with the codes/tips may change. Be flexible to learn, not a stubborn know it all!