Before we move forward through 2013, I’d like to go backwards into 2012 and reflect on the most popular posts from The Black and Blue this year — chosen by you based on your visits.
Becoming the Reel Deal, Again
Today I’m releasing the 2nd Edition of “Becoming the Reel Deal,” the ebook that helps you learn how to launch your film career in the camera department. And, yes, it’s still free.
Are You a Victim of the PA Paradox?
PA’s undoubtedly have the most unenviable position on the set: they are expected to be able to do everything asked of them while being treated as if they lack the knowledge to do any of it at all. This is what I call “The PA Paradox.”
25 Pieces of Juicy Filmmaking Knowledge from Cinematographer Roger Deakins
Roger Deakins is a living legend. He’s one of my favorite cinematographers and for a good reason: his talents are undeniable, his philosophy level-headed, and his contribution to film significant. So when he talks (or types), I listen. As should you.
Digital Cinema Pocket Guides Updated with 5 New Cameras and Hi-Res Graphics
You want to make sure you know what you’re doing when you use a camera. Or, at least, you want to have essential info about the camera you’re using in case something goes wrong. The digital cinema pocket guides that I launched last month help you do just that. And today I’ve unleashed a major update to them that you don’t want to miss
Deciphering the Film Slate (Part 3): Twelve Examples of a Completed Slate
I find looking at other slates to be extremely helpful. When I was first starting out as a 2nd AC, it was useful to see how others applied the principles I had learned about slating. So let’s take a look at twelve completed clapperboards.
Deciphering the Film Slate (Part 2): Pickups, Plates, MOS, and More
The film slate hasn’t existed for so many years — adapting to the ever-changing filmmaking landscape — without developing nuances and best practices for a few non-conventional situations. So I want to help you navigate these grey areas.
Deciphering the Film Slate (Part 1): What to Write on a Clapperboard
All of the advantages of the slate in post-production start in the camera department with the camera assistants who step in front of the lens with the clapperboard. And it’s crucial you fill it out properly to prevent bottlenecks in post-production. Once you grasp what each section means, it makes it easier to leverage the slate into the useful cinematic tool that it is.
20 New Digital Cinema Pocket Guides
It’s been a long time since I made the original RED One Pocket Guide. So this major update is long overdue: a refreshed design, 20 total cameras, and all original cameras updated. You’d be hard pressed to find a more comprehensive resource like this anywhere else
I Worked for Free, Now Where’s My DVD?
Imagine this: after going back and forth for days, you’ve finally been offered your first film gig and feel like you’re taking a step in the right direction for your film career. But there’s a catch — there always is, isn’t there?
Film Set Lingo: Walkie Talkies and Radios – Part 3
There is one aspect of film sets that everyone must deal with at some point though and that is radio communication. Specifically, walkie talkies. It may seem like a no brainer - talk like you would talk normally - but there is actually a general set of guidelines as well as specific phrases that are integral to clear and professional radio communication on set.
Film Set Lingo: Camera Department Terms – Part 2
This week I will list out some of the more common phrases used within the camera department and some of the ones that I've heard on set that I liked.
Cheap DIY Follow Focus Solutions
Unfortunately, you may be in a situation on a low/no-budget film where production won't rent a follow focus or you're a one-man-band filmmaker who can't afford one. Luckily there are some easy techniques to rig up a follow focus on the cheap, most for under $10.00.
18 Hilarious Filmmaking Jokes from the Internet Meme Machine
It's time for camera assistants -- and filmmakers in general -- to get in on the jokes and make their own meme fun. So here's 20 memetastic memepics to satisfy your cravings for bold white text and filmmaking related humor.
Useful Cinematography iPhone Apps (Part 7)
For filmmakers, the right apps morph the iPhone into an indispensable part of their toolkit to help calculate everything from depth of field to overtime rates. So here are five more killer cinematography apps waiting for you to download and utilize on set.
Useful Cinematography iPhone Apps to Have on Set (Part 3)
It's not an uncommon occurrence on set to find yourself, another camera assistant, and even the director of photography all keeping busy on an iPhone during downtime. Take this as a warning of good or bad things to come, but regardless the iPhone can still be an incredibly versatile and useful tool to have in a kit.
Media Management 101: Basics of Data Wrangling
With digital cinema showing no signs of slowing down – and data rates accelerating – having the skill in your repertoire to properly manage data is crucial. Even if you never do data loading yourself, knowing how the process works helps you manage your department.
Tarantino’s 2nd Assistant Camera Slate Montage (Video)
Watch a montage of all the creative slates done by the Italian 2nd Assistant Camera on Inglourious Basterds.
5 Useful Cinematography Android Apps
So you own a smartphone and it happens not to be an iPhone? You're not alone, it appears. I've written plenty about iPhone apps, but now I am leaving that bias behind to explore the Android Market. Listed below are five solid cinematography apps that stand to turn that gadget in your pocket into the ultimate on set tool.
