The newly re-named Interactive Media Program at Bradley University (of which I am a member) is updating the Slane College of Communications website. Jim Ferolo, head of the program, asked me, with the help of my class, to handle the production of introductory videos for the five departments that make up the college. Sounds like a simple task. Except…
The professors selected to be interviewed did not have time when my students were available to assist. So, I was doing the shooting alone for the most part. No problem! I’ve done it before. They were also all over campus. Well, I guess I get a workout!
We also had a variety of lighting conditions with which to contend. Still no problem! We shoot fluorescent and use color balanced bulbs for each environment.
Finally, for the visual effect, we were shooting with the Canon 5D MkII. This added some fun to the mix! The video from the camera is stunning. The lack of manual controls is a bit of a problem but a bit of internet searching allowed me to get results with which I could work. However, the audio on camera has auto gain and no level meters. Plus it only has a mono 1/8″ input for an external mic. Shooting alone, I couldn’t find a way to handle the camera, monitor a separate audio recorder. So, I had to use a Beachtek box for XLR conversion and hope for the best! This worked OK for the most part. Except that the Beachtek is stereo. It has a mono switch that sends either XLR input to both channels. Which works fine unless the switch gets flipped! I had to re-shoot 5 interviews because of this.
My class is now editing the videos. We need more B-roll to finish. Things are moving along and they’ll be done soon. I’ll post video when they’re ready.
Well, me, for starters. 
As one who read it originally as a comic limited series (and NOT as a graphic novel) the movie stayed very true to the series. A dark, cold war era, conspiracy story not for the faint at heart. Many prudish Americans will be (and are) critical of the violence and sexual content. It is R rated. Children should not be allowed to see it. Adults should be able to handle it. Those who can’t should keep their complaints to themselves.
I don’t mean to sound flippant but you are warned! Watchmen has received an “R” rating from the MPAA, for graphic violence, sexuality, nudity and language. Some of that involves (*gasp*) the naked front of a man! Don’t be fooled because he’s blue! He’s still a naked man and that seems to frighten some people.
Moving on, the changes from the comic were minor, and the revised ending fits. It didn’t need to be changed but does work with the revision.
This is not really a superhero movie, though the main characters are superheroes. It is a cold war conspiracy movie and a morality tale about those who have chosen to protect us. That wording is deliberate as those who we choose to protect us first choose to take that mantle upon themselves. At 2 hours and 45 minutes the story takes time to build. You need to watch awhile to start picking up what’s going on. If you’re looking for a standard superhero movie full of constant action, you’re looking in the wrong place.
There are a couple of very nice action scenes to break things up a little bit. However, this is the thinking man’s superhero movie. It’s about something deeper than just getting special powers putting on some tights and fighting crime. It’s really about the responsibility of making that decision and deciding to go beyond just beating up criminals and actually trying to save the world.
Overall, I give it 4.5 stars. It’s not perfect, but I think the best adaptation of the comics that a fan could hope for.
My MM491 class is working on a music video for the song “Seconds” by a local artist known as P3RRY. You can find the song on twestival.fm
We’ve got a concept which the artist likes. We shot some stuff with the artist. We have some more shooting tomorrow. Post production has begun. There’s nothing the students love more than roto!
More as we have it!
In December, I got a Canon HG20. I chose the HG20 over the HF series because of the hard drive. This lets me do longer things such as live event video. It also has an SDHC slot for additional storage. This means almost unlimited storage.
I find that I like the AVCHD format. I don’t recommend it for everything but it works for a lot of things and the average consumer probably can’t tell the difference anyway. It works especially well if you are down converting to SD.
The camera also has 30p and 24p recording. This is recorded via telecine inside of 60i. This means you will need to use JES De-Interlacer to extract a true 24p file. Same thing you need to do with the HV20, so no big deal.
The biggest problem with all Canon’s consumer cameras is the lack of zebra function! This means it is difficult to use unless you are in automatic mode. Unless, of course, you know how to ISO rate a camera so you can use a light meter. Fortunately, I do know how. It seems that the consumer Canon’s rate at an ISO of 80. That is incredibly low, but usable. It would be better if they just brought back zebras! IMO, very shortsighted to remove this function.
An additional note for Redrock Micro M2 users, the original not the new M2encore, it rates at ISO 35! That means a whole lot of additional light.
I like the cameras but bring back zebras. As is, I’m going to use a meter to get better quality images.
Thought it was time to update everyone on my status.
First thing, I got the COBRA insurance thing working. So I am insured. Bad news, $307/month for insurance! Good news, the new stimulus package gives a 65% discount to COBRA electees for 9 months! As soon as that kicks in I’ll be paying $130/month for 9 months. That and a 33 week extension, if I need it, on unemployment means I’m in good shape overall.
Second, I got my second opinion and I have MS. I decided to stay with this doctor as I am more comfortable with him. I just got my first shipment of Avonex today. This is an Interferon-1b drug for MS. It shows good signs in reducing MS recurrences and even reversal of MS effects. Thanks to COBRA, I’m paying $50/mo. This stuff costs $15,000 to $20,000 per year. Thanks COBRA!
Other than that, I feel fine. I’m fully functional and able to work!
To let you in on other things, I’ve completely revamped my site. It is now focused on me and my work as DoP. There is more work going on but most things are working. If you want me for DoP, lighting and grip work you can reach me via the contact page. You can get to the blog via the menu. If you hear about any work feel free to use the contact page or email me. My address is brettnoe AT gmail.com. Thanks!