Friend's Pics

Supervising a Color Session on a feature I shot in Louisiana early this year. ‪#‎moriahpeters‬ is going to be a star. If you are in the neighborhood text me, they have free snacks! ‪#‎cinematography‬ ‪#‎featurefilm‬---Leo Jarramillo

Friend's Pics

See the footage from the camera at https://vimeo.com/18898917 all the way through where the glass breaks.--Cinematographer James Neihouse

Friend's Pics

I took this photograph in Nashville, TN. On the Right is the recording artist @moriahpeters and on the left is music video director @jonibrooke. This was shot the day before we shot Her music video, "Brave," which releases today(Google It!) As the Cinematographer, it's a real joy to collaborate with such level headed, smart women, who have a clear voice and understanding of what is practical and Good.------Leo Jaramillo

Dialogue Greatness

Cars 2 (2011)
Finn McMissile: Finn McMissile, British Intelligence.
Mater: Tow Mater, average intelligence.

Film Production 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): 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.

Today is the release of a clever film I was the ‪#‎Cinematographer‬ for. ‪#‎thejokestersmovie‬ necessitated that we have a camera fluid and move like a home video camera. We took an ‪#‎Red‬ ‪#‎Epic‬ and stripped it all the way down to essentials. Then we put remote gears with wireless transmitters and I basically wore the camera for the entire movie. In this scene we are running through a snowfield because of something climactic. I have such great support from my team, and we made a film that is worthy of being seen and can stand on its own in the /Foundfootage/Horror Genre. I'm proud of it and thankful to be apart of it. Check it out on IMDB, Amazon and ITunes. Thank you to the Guys.-----Leo Jaramillo

Dialogue Greatness

“I'm sure that we can handle this situation maturely, just like the responsible adults that we are. Isn't that right, Mr. Poopy Pants?”---Frank Drebin (Leslie Neilsen) in "The Naked Gun 2 1/2 (1991)

Friend's Pics

Here's me in "Rock of Ages" using the classic acting technique known as smell the fart.--John McKerrow

Covering a homicide, on a bad part of town, in the tallest truck, while hell is breaking loose outside. Let's just say today is going to be an interesting day. All my FOX4 friends, call your Indy sister station and tell them it's not wise to stand out in a major thunderstorm. ---Miguel A.

Friend's Pics

Mike Wazowski...with Kenny and Sulley---Kenny B.

"Grip it Good" documentary about grips in film production

http://nofilmschool.com/2014/01/short-film-about-grips-the-unsung-heroes-of-the-film-industry

Raking across the water.--Louis Normandin

Our private screening room for the morning, I love my job! — at TCL Chinese Theatres.---Cinematographer James Neihouse

Friend's Pics

My final week at RFDtv, it has been a great opportunity but I am returning back to my roots for the fall. It's a freelance life for now!---FBS Grad Brian Bass

Film Crew Slang

High Key- An overall brightly lit scene with few shadows. Low contrast.
Low Key- High contrast lighting with many shadows and areas of darkness.

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.

Action!--Xavier Arjis

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