Believe it or not, ARRI makes more than the Alexa and cool internet web-apps. The company built its reputation on precision film cameras and even though most their press comes in the way of digital offerings, celluloid is still ingrained in ARRI. Now you can watch a cool video about how one of their cameras, the Arri 435 Xtreme, is built courtesy of “How It’s Made” and YouTube.
Filmmaking Tips and Advice
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On Set: Making a Director’s Finder Near the Pimp Plaza
A director’s finder is a useful piece of gear to have. It can save a good amount of time since a director or cinematographer can tangibly visualize a shot without having to position the camera. Unfortunately, on a lot of low budget productions, there isn’t always room in the budget for a finder. So I decided to make one instead.
Slating the Alphabet from Apple to X-Ray
On many productions, scenes are slated with numbers accompanied by a letter, such as 27A or 56D. When slating, the 2nd assistant camera must then shout out those scene numbers, but instead replacing a corresponding word with the letter, much like the military does. So, which words go with which letters?
10 Ways to Guarantee You Never Work On Set Again
Maybe you’re fed up with 12 hour days and frustrated with big shot producers who abuse their crew. In short, you need a way out. Don’t worry, I understand, and I’m here to help with 10 ways to guarantee you never work on a film set again.
Get Tips and Updates from The Black and Blue Newsletter
I am pleased to announce the launch of The Black and Blue newsletter! I am promising with this newsletter free exclusive content and a way to get the latest updates. Essentially, you will receive the best of The Black and Blue in your inbox.
The Black and Blue Redesign Is Live!
It started with a tiny little thought in the back of my head that, “it could be better.” For the most part, I ignored it. I wasn’t initially open to redesigning The Black and Blue, especially after I had already substantially changed the look twice in its relatively short lifetime.
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.
Natalie Portman Thanks Camera Operators in Best Actress Oscar Speech
Last night at the 83rd Academy Awards, Natalie Portman gave one of the more sincere speeches after winning Best Actress. In that speech she took the time to thank the camera operators of Black Swan among the usual “Thank You’s.” That kind of recognition is rare for below the line crew members and was a classy move on her part.
Comment Corner: Week of Feb. 21st
I was more than pleased with the reception to “Comment Corner” last week, the new feature here at The Black and Blue where you, the readers, are highlighted. This week brought some more great comments from you and I’m happy to share with the rest of the readers the discussions that go on. I also have some big website news to announce at the end of the post.
Oscar Odds for Best Cinematography
The 83rd Academy Awards will be taking place this Sunday and it’s going to be a tight race for Best Cinematography. True Grit might be the favorite, but the Oscars are never a “sure thing.” Luckily, the money-grubbers in Vegas have removed some of the guess work with odds they’ve set. So, who does Vegas have listed as the favorite to win and by how much?