While other films of Nolan’s such as Memento and The Prestige also featured winding plots curving through a wilderness of ideas, would he be able to pull it off on Inception, a film that seeks to completely upend what we can perceive as tangible and objective?
Filmmaking Tips and Advice
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The iPhone DSLR Camera: The Beginning of the End or the Start of Something New?
Take a long hard look at that picture above. Is that the extreme low point for film snobs or the high point for DSLR enthusiasts? It’s not like an iPhone hasn’t been used for film production before, but never has it been the camera body of choice for serious filmmakers. However, now that the iPhone 4 can shoot HD (and even edit on the fly) should we expect to see iPhone filmmaking take off in the same way DSLR’s have?
‘Focused’ The Profile of a Camera Assistant (Video)
This video comes from the UK’s “4Talent” show in 2008. It profiles camera assistant Gordon McMillan, who actually is technically a focus puller (the British film system is different from the American system).
Toolkit DIY: Homemade Hoodman
A hoodman, a cover that provides shade over a screen, is necessary on the brightest of days to see a monitor. While many production monitors come with them, they’re harder to find for small camera monitors such as the RED LCD. Luckily, with a bit of gaff tape and cardboard a hoodman can be whipped up quick enough and be portable enough to save for other occasions.
Peter Jackson’s Red One Mysterium-X Sensor Tests
Recently at NAB, Jim Jannard, founder of Red, showed a video of Peter Jackson that he also posted on Reduser.net. In it Jackson talks all things Red as well as shows some tests he shot with the new sensor.
Quick Thoughts on ‘Inception’
Yesterday, I jumped at the chance to see Inception, Christopher Nolan’s latest film, in IMAX and was blown away. I’m going again to see it this weekend and will post a full review then when my brain has a chance to process it all. For now, here a few quick SPOILER FREE thoughts.
Digital Media Management Best Practices
When shooting digital cinema, it’s important to have your workflow set out ahead of time. While film has an established protocol (for the most part) with handling printed takes, short ends, etc., the digital world has many options that can be cumbersome if not thoroughly explored.
A Seat in the 4-D Immersion Theater for “Planet Earth”
The National Aquarium in Baltimore has upgraded it’s facilities to provide a new “immersion theater” for it’s customers. I was there a few weekends ago to give it a try, luckily without any cameras ruining the film, and was able to experience a montage of “Planet Earth” best-of moments.
American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) Releases ‘Best Of 1998 – 2008’ Winners List
The American Society of Cinematographers, the honor guild of cinematographers, has released the results of an online poll of the “best shot” movies from 1998 – 2008. There were over 50 nominees from the past decade that were dwindled down to the top 10 winners.
Useful Cinematography iPhone Apps to Have on Set (Part 2)
A couple of months ago, I did a post that featured three useful cinematography/camera assisting iPhone apps to have on set. In my introduction, I stated that “the Apple iPhone is undoubtedly one of the most powerful phones out on the market today” and that “there are plenty of apps to help you become more efficient on set and make the iPhone one of your essential tools.”