Wrapping up day 2 of hiding in a blind and filming duck hunts for Ducks Unlimited.--FBS Grad Tim Yoder

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"The Commuter Chronicles "Web Series--FBS Grad Marco Freire

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Milky Way over Santa Barbara, CA---James Neihouse

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.

After a crazy trip, I'm coming home to see my folks and my amazing lady. More on the trip later but I'm happy to have the holiday for the ones I love! Happy Holidays everyone!--Louis Normandin

Eerie Drone Footage of a Fogged In Tampa

 Link to the story:
http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/clip/10956597/watch-tampa-above-the-fog-by-jayson-hanes

Friend's Pics

The Road Home..Santa Monica--Leo Jaramillo

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Great/awesome 4 days in Northern California flying my DJI Phantom quad rigged with the GoPro Hero4 and one kick ass gimbal! I thought the high winds in the desert were intense, this job had me over a lake, cliffs on the coastline and of course no trip is complete without flying in dense foggy woods. Thanks to the guys who brought me out! What's next?-----Jeff Hart

Israel, Dome of the Rock.---Lou N.

Friend's Pics

Selfie under the stars in Joshua Tree NP--Cinematographer James Neihouse

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Getting ready for the last episode ever of Sons of Anarchy here at the Anarchy Afterword set. "Ride or Die"--Lou Normandin

Festivus For the Rest of Us!

Festivus For the Rest of US

Celebrated on December 23, as depicted on the December 18, 1997 Seinfeld television episode, “The Strike”. While at Monk's restaurant Jerry, George, and Elaine discuss George's father's creation of Festivus (Jerry: "His father hated all the commercial and religious aspects of Christmas, so he made up his own holiday." (Jerry Seinfeld referring to Frank Costanza.). Then Kramer becomes interested in resurrecting the holiday when, at the bagel shop, Frank Costanza tells him how he created Festivus as an alternative holiday in response to the commercialization of Christmas.

Frank Costanza: "Many Christmases ago, I went to buy a doll for my son. I reached for the last one they had, but so did another man. As I rained blows upon him, I realized there had to be another way."

Cosmo Kramer: "What happened to the doll?"

Frank Costanza: "It was destroyed. But out of that a new holiday was born: a Festivus for the rest of us!"

Kramer: "That must have been some kind of doll."

Frank Costanza: "She was."

Festivus pole

The tradition of Festivus begins with an aluminum pole. During Festivus, the pole is displayed unadorned. The basics of the Festivus pole are explained by Frank in two separate situations:

Cosmo Kramer: "And is there a tree?"

Frank Costanza: "No, instead, there's a pole. It requires no decoration. I find tinsel distracting ... It's made from aluminum. Very high strength-to-weight ratio."

Festivus dinner

A celebratory dinner is shown on the evening of Festivus prior to the Feats of Strength and during the Airing of Grievances. The on-air meal was shown to be some sort of meatloaf. In the Seinfeld episode no alcohol is served at the dinner, but George Costanza's boss, Mr. Kruger, drinks from a hip flask.

Airing of Grievances

The celebration of Festivus begins with the "Airing of Grievances", which takes place immediately after the Festivus dinner has been served. It consists of lashing out at others and the world about how one has been disappointed in the past year.

From the Seinfeld episode:

Frank Costanza: "And at the Festivus dinner, you gather your family around, and tell them all the ways they have disappointed you over the past year!"

Frank Costanza: "The tradition of Festivus begins with the Airing of Grievances. I got a lot of problems with you people! And now, you're gonna hear about it. You, Kruger. My son tells me your company stinks! You couldn't smooth a silk sheet if you had a hot date with a babe...I lost my train of thought."

Feats of Strength

The Feats of Strength is the final tradition observed in the celebration of Festivus, celebrated immediately following (or in the case of "The Strike"during) the Festivus dinner. The head of the household selects one person at the Festivus celebration and challenges that person to a wresting match. Festivus is not over until the head of the household is pinned.  Failing to pin the head of the household results in Festivus continuing until such requirement is met.
Article cited directly from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festivus

It's an great Seinfeld episode. The link is below!

The Story of Festivus--Seinfeld

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Today's location is the Dallas Cowboys stadium. All I can say is it's a show that's amazing...and a race...-Tim Yoder, 

CSI style speaker setup on the Dubbing Stage!---Mike O.

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Eduardo Fierro--Cinematographer

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Be grateful for what you have--- Bekka Lee

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Nothing like watching the sunrise in the desert while making TV---Wes Alley

Pick of the Week

Classified X (1998)- A documentary tracing the history of stereotypical portrayal of African Americans in the movies. Written and narrated by writer/director/actor Melvin Van Peebles. Van Peebles is best know for his groundbreaking 1971 film "Sweet Sweetback's Bad Asssss Song". Yes, the title is spelled that way. "Sweetback" broke the mold of stereotyped and assimilated black Americans in the cinema. His characters spoke like the people in the streets of the 1970's. They were strong, defiant and sexual. We will get back to that film in another posting. Classified X is entertaining and edged by the delivery of Van Peebles. He also wrote but did not direct this fascinating look into mirror for us all.

Friend's Pics

Live in Arkansas, work in New York, Take 4. I don't wanna go to sleep--FBS Grad Tim Yoder

A starry night at Joshua Tree National Park. Canon 1DC, 14mm Cine Prime Lens--Cinematographer James Neihouse

James Cameron dishes on Oculus Rift

Go to the link for the article:
http://www.slashfilm.com/james-cameron-oculus-rift/

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

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

Working on Halloween---FBS grad Dan Abbott

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Today's Office...--Jay Shropshire

The smallest camera that I've flown so far. The black magic pocket camera. Shooting a part of a music video up in Mt. Beacon— at Hudson Highlands State Park. ---FBS Grad Mathew Perez

Pick of the Week

Bellflower (2011)- Two drinking, smoking college pals build muscle cars & modified weapons hoping that Armageddon happens. Their goal? To rule the roads just like in their all-time favorite film "Mad Max". That's enough for me...I'm in. 
Happy Halloween!

Film Crew 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.

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hired guns . . . two of the best.---Robert Tuscani

Pick of the Week

"Decoy for Terror" (A.K.A. "The Playgirl Killer" A.K.A "Portrait of Fear) 1968- A deranged artist kills and freezes women for the sake of his art. Not only is this fun Canadian schlock, but 50's-60's teen pop star Neil Sedaka (famous for..."I love, I love my little calender girl..! Yeah, yeah,yeah!) breaks into song several times.  Best Scene-The artist has frozen a girl as a statue posed with a strung bow and arrow. Guess what happens when the power goes out and the room warms up?

Dialogue Greatness

"The Outlaw Josie Wales"(1976) - Clint Eastwood is civil war gunman Josie Wales battling the Union Army criminals 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?"

Playing with fun toys. I didn't know my car sounded that good..--FBS Grad Jeff Hart

Friend's Pics

Sunday funday right? Working on a Sunday.... Wes. Alley

Wrap on Project Poseidon. Great photo of me operating the remote head while @jsmithfilm @fishypants @brandariz @brentowenmartin drive through the mountains. Photographer Gus Moncada.--- Jeff Hart

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It Came Upon a Midnight Clear@Palisades Park----Leo J.

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Burke & James portrait camera that was used to shoot all the Mercury and Gemini astronaut portraits, as well as the portraits of all the Apollo lunar expedition crews. Photographic history at NASA Johnson Space Center----Cinematographer James Neihous

A Guy Walks Onto a Film Set...

Q: How many editors does it take to change a light bulb?
A: If we change the light bulb, we'll have to change everything.

Film Crew Slang

Sides – a half-sized script that contains only the scenes being shot that day. It's easier to carry in your back pocket.

I'm pretending to be bald right now...   FBS Grad Kelly W.

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I'm pretending to be bald right now...  FBS Grad Kelly W.

Had a great time working with Tim Smith and Richard Crudo, ASC on the SpaceX-4 launch shoot! They are two very talented, and wonderful people!--- James Neihouse

Film Crew Slang

"Walkaway"- A location where crew are able to leave the cameras, lights and other 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.

Freind's Pics

Last day of "Director's Cut"--FBS GRad Dan Abbott

Friend's Pics

"Yes, I am a pirate two hundred years too late.
The cannons don't thunder there's nothin' to plunder
I'm an (under)forty victim of fate
Arriving too late, arriving too late." Thanks David for taking of this me while at work--Leo J.

Friend's Pics

Working with lions today... Er well tonight. All night... Downtown LA.---Wes A.

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Drone vs. Jib!----FBS Grad Tim Yoder

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I spent today working at the visual effects shop that created miniatures for Inception and the Dark Knight trilogy.(New Deal Studios) Now I'm giving myself this treat. It's not the snack...that I need...but the one...I deserve...--Dan Antkowiak

Friend's Pics

Drawing storyboards at the library, listening to the score from Ghostbusters.---Dan Ankowiak

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Fully restored back up ARRI 4k Magnetic Ballast, flat free wheels and all!--Jay Shropshire

Film Crew Slang

Hero- A special item, prop or accessory. 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.

Friend's Pics

On set- R. Tuscani

Working in this industry is usually super fun, but it can also be tough. One frustration for friends and family is you aren’t home as often as they’d like. When you factor in travel time, it’s not unusual to be gone for 14 hours of the day and spend the rest of the time sleeping (with a quick shower thrown in — maybe). It definitely takes a certain level of understanding for them to grasp the concept that your office changes everyday, that your hours aren’t consistent — as well as your paycheck — and that your boss is both a partner and a superior.
In no way is a film job a “real” job, but that’s part of the gig. It has it's perks and disadvantages... FBS Graduate Tim Yoder

Friend's Pics

Just throw'n down with some dead guys.--FS Grad Christopher M.

Today's weapon of choice!--Camera Op Lou Normandin

Speaking at Canon USA Imaging Technology Communications Group meeting this afternoon! ---Cinematographer James Neihouse

A Guy Walks Onto a Film Set...

Joke of the Day:

 

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?"

Film Crew Slang

Tech Scout- No it is not a nerdy Boy Scout! A Tech Scout is the process of going to a potential shoot location to figure out the logistics and details of how to best accomplish the shots. Key Department Heads from the crew will go together..Director, UPM, DP, AD, Gaffer etc. and any others that are needed. In photography and video it is sometimes referred to as a Site Survey.

Dialogue Greatness

Addams Family Values(1993)-Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld
(Gomez Adams referring to a girl popping out of the cake at a bachelor party)
-"Was she in there before you baked it?"

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.

Freind's Pics

Kenny and I with our work wife, Arri ALEXA---Kenny Pete

Friend's Pics

Mann's Chinese Theater--Leo Jaramillo

The Funniest Characters in Horror Film History - Yahoo! Movies
From Yahoo! Movies: Horror films often include a little bit of comic relief
to break the tension…usually just before something really scary jumps out
at you.
<http://movies.yahoo.com/news/funniest-characters-horror-film-history-181500244.html>

Friend's Pics

it was hot yesterday...Jay Shropshire

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Shooting the Guinness World Record for Most People Dressed As A Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle 1,394---Swany Swan

Quotes

Some guy hit my fender and I said "be fruitful and multiply", but not in those words.
Woody Allen, Director/Actor

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.

 

Will Ferrell may play Russ Meyer in proposed film ‘Russ & Roger Go Beyond’

If you are a fan of John Waters, Troma Films and Roger Corman then you might like to know a little about Russ Meyer's "Faster Pussycat. Kill, Kill!"

http://www.technologytell.com/entertainment/48858/will-ferrell-may-play-russ-meyer-proposed-film-russ-roger-go-beyond/ 

Friend's Pics

Went through 3 years of film school. Met this fool @fletchpowerfilms_com the last month before graduating. You a thought we was in every class together the way we work.--Petey Pete

On set of the Music video production. Director Rob Tuscani

Friend's Pics

Take me to bed or lose me forever.--Cinematographer Leo Jaramillo -Meddlesome Films