So we survived the impending doom that was alluded by the Mayans (hooray!).
And it turns out all of us have to keep on keepin’ on. That means new films to be made, career challenges to tackle, and an onslaught of digital cinema cameras to learn.
It also means another amazing year for The Black and Blue!
But 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.
The 12 Most Popular Posts of 2012
1. 25 Pieces of Juicy Filmmaking Knowledge from Cinematographer Roger Deakins
Though it came late in the year, this post about legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins was by far the most popular. In it, “The Deaks” talks about his career, the art of cinematography, and working with crew. Its popularity proves that Deakins is considered one of the best because of his skills, but also well-liked because of his willingness to share his knowledge.
2. 18 Hilarious Filmmaking Jokes from the Internet Meme Machine
Filmmaking doesn’t have to be so serious all the time. It’s a lot more enjoyable when we can laugh at ourselves and this crazy industry we’re in. I had a lot of fun creating these memes and this post (along with its sequel here) does a great job at roasting the film industry.
3. The 7 Dumbest Mistakes You Can Make Your First Day On Set
Even though I’ve made mistakes myself, I still get irritated at the stupid things those new to the industry do. Sometimes they’re cocky, or naive, or late. Most of the time it’s unintentional. But intention doesn’t make the mistakes any less dumb, nor the consequences any less serious.
4. 5 Useful Cinematography iPad Apps for Filmmakers
The iPad is slowly becoming just as ubiquitous a tool for filmmakers as smartphones have become in recent years. And I only expect the innovation between cameras and the devices we already own to increase. These 5 apps are just the start, really.
5. 10 Things You Need to Know Before Shooting with RED Epic (Series)
After working with the RED Epic, I immediately felt compelled to point out some of its flaws. For all it does great, it still suffers from RED’s worst enemy: quirkiness. This series of posts helps to bridge the gap between your expectations of the camera and its limitations so you can be better prepared to use it the right way.
6. 50 Things That Suck for Camera Assistants (and 50 Things That Don’t)
When I read a Dollygrippery post titled “Things That Suck,” it clicked with me. Though I’ve never been a dolly grip, I connected with the list of small troubles that quickly add up. And my mind raced with things that I, as a camera assistant, have to deal with that suck. As well as a few that don’t.
7. Avoid These 3 Practical DSLR “Gotchas” for a Smoother Shoot
DSLR’s were made for still photography. So to make them great video cameras, you have to side step a few “gotchas” that could compromise your images.
8. Three Must-Have Skills for Pulling Focus and How You Can Improve Them
Pulling focus isn’t easy. There’s a lot of pressure and the skill involved is substantial. In this post, I talk about three specific skill-sets (predicting movement, spatial accuracy, and “touch”) necessary for you to pull focus like a pro — and then I give you techniques to improve them.
9. The Camera Assistant’s Guide to Better Cinematography
Even though I work as a camera assistant, I stand beside the camera all day and watch cinematographers work. Though I wouldn’t ever consider myself a director of photography, I have picked up on several tips, tricks, and techniques other DP’s use to paint with light — this post contains them all.
10. 7 G&E Techniques Useful to Camera Assistants
Grips and electricians — the crew members that make up G&E — are amazingly inventive when it comes to their jobs. And there’s a lot to learn from them if you’re willing to watch and listen. To start, here are 7 techniques you should be stealing from them to use in the camera department.
11. How to Pitch Your Film’s Crowdfunding Campaign to Bloggers the Right Way
No I’ve never run a crowdfunding campaign, but I do run this website. And this 5,000+ word post came out of the frustrations I felt getting daily emails asking me to provide publicity to various Kickstarter or IndieGoGo projects. The message in this post is simple: be precise and reasonable, not impersonal and demanding.
12. Deciphering the Film Slate (Series)
Slating is a crucially important to post-production and a major responsibility of the 2nd AC. Traditionally, it breaks down into two parts: what to write on the clapperboard and how to slate in front of the camera. This series of posts deals with the first part (look for the second part later on in 2013) and is an exhaustive look at how slating works.
Now Onto 2013…
I’m extremely proud of the content that ended up on The Black and Blue in 2012 and even more happy that you enjoyed it. While the posts I think might be popular don’t always end up as the most visited, this list above is a good summary of what we all hoped for in 2012 and want to continue in 2013: a better knowledge of filmmaking that makes us more capable at our craft.
Happy New Years everyone and thank you for reading!
Don’t see your favorite post here? Or want to see something new in 2013?
Please let me know in the comments!