PLEASE TAKE A SHOT

INFO: SOPA/PIPA in a Nutshell

2012-01-20T10:18:00.001+01:00

TECH TALK: MEDIACOMPOSER 6.0 - A quick review

2012-01-10T14:30:00.006+01:00

Mediacomposer 6.0 - A Quick Review

It's the first week of the year and my first job with the new Avid Mediacomposer 6.0
There are a bunch of new great additions to this software, but as for every .0 version there are a bunch of bugs as well. I love working with Mediacomposer and I prefer it over Final Cut Pro. This is just a quick review and my own opinions that I could experience in working with it thoroughly for the last four days.

The biggest change with this new version is definitely the new open hardware option. From now on you're not limited to the Avid hardware but you can use Blackmagic cards for instance (which have a pretty nice pricetag by the way).

Another change is the GUI. I'm not too fond of the buttons, but the feature to tab a bunch of bins into one window is pretty nice.

But I guess the new features are pretty much known more or less. So let's get to the bugs, that I found so far (DISCLAIMER: My findings after four intensive days are just my personal opinions and my experiences for now.)

Audio scrubbing:
Major flaw in my opinion. You can use audio scrubbing in the timeline or in the source window with video files that include audio. But if you load an audiofile into the source window, you'll not be able to use audio scrubbing. Looking around several forums this seems to be hardware related. Though I could not verify this yet.

AMA:
In a fast workflow AMA is (in theory) pretty nice. BUT I was and probably never will be a fan of AMA editing. The main reason probably is that many people aren't organised enough. This is the same problem in FCP as well: After finishing a project or even worse during a project, people might change file or folder names, move things around or delete something. This will render your clips offline of course and renamed files will make it quite hard to relink properly. Relinking does not work well either sometimes even if the names are correct. We needed to move the project to another workstation. The drivename and folderstructures stayed the same, nevertheless relinking did only work with the masterfiles. The subclips were messed up.
If you physically load something from tape or import/transcode files to the MediaFolder, the original source files wont be changed and it will be easier to go back to.
In addition to that I do believe the system is "snappier" when using transcoded Avid DNxHd or other Avid codes (inside the MediaFiles folder). Everytime I edit AMA files there seems to be a half second lag when pushing play or stop.

Exporting:
For some reason I had difficulties exporting Quicktimes, AAF files and EDLs. I have no Idea what the problem was. It just said "Serious Problem. Restart." I believe it was due to the AMA problem.

Enter & Return:
The Enter and the return button do the same thing. In the "old" Mediacomposer versions you were able to push enter when naming files or for clicking ok in the locators window. This is not possible. Instead you jump to the next clip after naming a clip (just like using return). This is probably not a big deal for everyone, but I edit 90% with the keyboard and now I have to rely on the mouse a little more. Moreover the up and down cursors don't move the cursor to the beginning or end whilst in typing mode. (In the Avid Forum this is claimed to be a known bug as well)

Font:
The font in the timeline seems to be messed up. They are too big, so they look distorted. This might be a setting that I just can't seem to find.

F1-Key:
The F1 key: I was working on a mac workstation. The keyboard settings allowed me to apply any setting to that key. Nevertheless pushing F1 brings me to the help menu.

Keyboard:
The keyboard is set to american keyboard. It does not adjust to different language settings of the system.

During this weekend I had just one major crash due to an audio problem. I believe that this is (just like the audio scrubbing) a hardware related problem. And overall most of these bugs are minor and I can work around them. Every software has some bugs, and Mediacomposer is not perfect. None the less it is a great tool, it gets the job done and I love working with it.

452: CHRISTMAS DINNER

2011-12-25T02:54:00.004+01:00

Merry Christmas! Had a perfect dinner. It doesn't look like it on the shot, but that was a big ass turkey!

INSPIRATION: PROTEIGON

2011-12-20T14:18:00.001+01:00

PROTEIGON from BURAYAN on Vimeo.

451: ANALOG

2011-12-18T17:51:00.003+01:00

Going for the analog look.

INSPIRATION : FUJI

2011-12-13T13:13:00.001+01:00

No Idea what she is saying, but the images and the editing is awesome.

INSPIRATION: FILTER by Gravis

2011-12-08T18:22:00.001+01:00

450: WIENERS + WIENERS WEIHNACHTSDIKTAT

2011-12-05T13:29:00.002+01:00

There's a new commerscial on my website in the Film section. It's the directors cut for the Wieners + Wieners "Weihnachtsdiktat".

Production Company: Bakery Films
Agency: Grabarz & Partner
Director: Svensson

449: BTS MORITZ

2011-12-05T01:19:00.002+01:00

Behind the scene shot from the shooting today.

448: COCKTAIL

2011-11-28T00:00:00.000+01:00

A local bar asked me to create a shot for their 17th birthday invitation. So I asked them to give me a bunch of cocktail ingredients and props.

With no assistant I locked myself into my studio. Using a selftimer I threw every item into the air to take a shot. This was done for every item in the picture. Below you'll see the mess I've created after about half way through the shooting.

447: FACES OF BANGKOK

2011-11-10T00:00:00.000+01:00

446: BANGKOK IMPRESSIONS PT. 3

2011-11-07T00:00:00.001+01:00

This is the last post with some of the Bangkok shots.

INSPIRATION: IN YOUR ARMS

2011-11-05T12:50:00.002+01:00

This is what I call dedication and inspiration! 22 months, 1357 hours, 30 people, 288000 Jelly Beans, all handmade and no CGI! F***ing amazing!

Also check the Behind the Scenes:

445: BANGKOK IMPRESSIONS PT. 2

2011-11-05T00:00:00.000+01:00

444: BANGKOK IMPRESSIONS PT. 1

2011-11-02T21:17:00.003+01:00

Some impressions from my recent trip to Bangkok / Thailand.

FUN: VW - Learn Spanish

2011-10-31T13:53:00.000+01:00

443: BROPHOTO

2011-10-27T22:24:00.001+02:00

I edited this short clip for a buddy. Check out his work at Brophoto.de

442: FASHIONSHOOT WITH ANNA Part. 3

2011-10-14T00:00:00.000+02:00

This is the last part of the shooting with Anna. Thanks to the whole team!

441: FASHIONSHOOT WITH ANNA Part. 2

2011-10-12T00:00:00.001+02:00

440: FASHIONSHOOT WITH ANNA Part. 1

2011-10-10T21:24:00.002+02:00

Shot Anna (Modelwerk) last week. Make up by Shadi S. and Styling was done by Julia M.
We had quite a few different stylings prepared, so I'll post all shots over the next few days.
Enjoy...

INSPIRATION: NEVER LET THEM DEFINE WHO YOU ARE

2011-10-10T13:01:00.000+02:00

439: ASSOTO SOUNDS

2011-09-25T23:17:00.003+02:00

Some new editorial shots for Assoto Sounds...

438: WEBSITE RELAUNCH

2011-09-16T14:31:00.002+02:00

Although I've already talked to a webdesigner and we probably will design a new site in 2012, I've been too impatient. I've spent quite a few time googling, watching tutorials and wasted a lot of time with try and error, but now I finished a new (probably temporary) website. Enjoy... www.ISMONO.com

INSPIRATION: SKITTLES (NSFW)

2011-09-10T00:00:00.000+02:00

Skittles - Newlyweds - Dir. Cousins [Not affiliated with Wrigley or Skittles. Contains explicit content not suitable for minors] from Cousins on Vimeo.

Found this on Adweek : "(This is a spec ad—not approved by the Skittles brand.) You take TBWA\Chiat\Day off the Skittles account, and look what you get—pure, unadulterated filth! Spec work by L.A. directing team Cousins. Well done, but extremely NSFW."

INSPIRATION: THE WORLD IS JUST AWESOME

2011-09-08T00:00:00.000+02:00

INSPIRATION: WALK

2011-09-06T00:32:00.003+02:00

Foo Fighters -- Walk - MyVideo
Four great things combined in one place: A great song, one of my favorite photographers Sam Jones, a homage to the movie "Falling Down" and of course the Foo Fighters! Enjoy...

BEING DRUNK: REALITY VS. PERCEPTION

2011-09-03T21:37:00.001+02:00

Can't stop laughing. Best video for a saturday night... Enjoy

437: TATI CD COVER SHOTS

2011-09-01T00:00:00.000+02:00

These are some shots for the Bistro Tati's CD Sampler which was released about a week ago.

436: ELENA

2011-08-30T23:20:00.003+02:00

Some shots from the shooting with Elena a couple of weeks ago.

INSPIRATION: CRY BABY

2011-08-22T00:00:00.001+02:00

Here's one for a good start into the week.
Would love to make a musicvideo like that.

INSPIRATION: 8 HOURS

2011-08-21T13:09:00.000+02:00

435: GOING TO INDONESIA 2011

2011-08-18T22:42:00.000+02:00

Just a little video of my trip to Indonesia in 2011. If you want to see some shaky and compressed footage of the Nikon D5000, ok and some pictures of Indonesia of course, then go ahead and watch it ;-)

Camera: Nikon D5000
Lens: 18-70mm DX

Music: Amanda Blank "Make it Take it"

INSPIRATION: CLOCK DJ

2011-08-15T14:02:00.001+02:00

434: WAITING

2011-08-03T00:00:00.000+02:00

I know you've all been waiting and wondering why this blog has slowed down. But I wasn't lazy, just busy (lame excuse, I know). "The future is near" and I'm planing to do a major overhaul of my website and the blog. So hopefully in the next couple of months there will be a new page and a new blog coming.

433: SMASH

2011-08-02T00:00:00.000+02:00

432: AQUAFRESH

2011-08-01T11:13:00.002+02:00

I uploaded a new video to my Editor's Showreel. This is my own edit of the actual 30 second TVC for Portugal and Spain. They where too full of demos and packshots in my opinion.

431: PRINTED PORTFOLIO

2011-07-28T00:58:00.001+02:00

I guess I can't show all of you my printed portfolio live, so I made this little "showcase" video. Check the website to enjoy the whole portfolio digital, of course.

INSPIRATION: JAMES CAMARON @ TED

2011-07-23T11:17:00.002+02:00

Some of my favorite quotes:
“Curiosity is the most powerful thing you own, and imagination is a force that can actually manifest a reality”

"Don't put limitations on yourself, other people will do that for you."

"Whatever you are doing: Failure is an option, but fear is not."

RESTLESS

2011-07-18T20:26:00.001+02:00

Don't worry. I am not lazy, gone or dead. I'm just running from one project to another: Editing, shooting, editing, editing...

RANDOM: OLD SPICE

2011-07-08T11:33:00.000+02:00

Never gets old...

INSPIRATION: 29 WAYS TO STAY CREATIVE

2011-07-02T12:26:00.000+02:00

INTERVIEW @ RAW

2011-06-27T12:26:00.002+02:00

Check out my interview at RAW

INSPIRATION: OPEN-SOURCE WEAPON

2011-06-21T17:31:00.002+02:00

This is actually incredible and frightening at the same time. The visuals are stunning, but the idea of the open-source weapon is quite terrifying...

430: COMPARING BEACHES

2011-06-20T13:40:00.002+02:00

Guess which is where...

INSPIRATION: RUSKO

2011-06-15T00:00:00.000+02:00

INSPIRATION: KSUBI KOLORS

2011-06-13T16:10:00.002+02:00

Nice spot, but the models are just way too skinny. Those ribs don't look good, other than that: Nice work.

429: WE'RE STILL IN BALI

2011-06-05T16:14:00.004+02:00

He's adventurous...

He has good food...

It's a dollar that she needs...

She's of having fun...

INSPIRATION: KITTEN

2011-06-03T00:00:00.000+02:00

428: FROM JAKARTA TO BALI

2011-05-31T00:32:00.001+02:00

427: KIDS OF INDONESIA

2011-05-27T00:49:00.003+02:00

INSPIRATION: HALF

2011-05-26T15:58:00.004+02:00

This is a nice shortfilm by Alex Bohs. The concept is quite nice. It's a little long in certain areas and I'd have edited some scenes a little shorter, but it's still some good work.

BACK IN HAMBURG

2011-05-26T09:40:00.001+02:00

I am back in Hamburg from my Indonesia vacation. Shot a lot of still and video footage. Going to post some new stuff soon...

426: WELCOME TO UBUD

2011-05-18T15:40:00.007+02:00

A couple of more Snapshots from Bali.

Welcomedrink

Welcomefruit... a little old, but still very good.

Bathroom...

Welcomebath...

Cock fighting chicken?

425: WALKING THROUGH BALI

2011-05-15T16:42:00.004+02:00

I've had this drink...

I want this dog...

I admire this kid's vibe...

I want to know where he's runnig to...

424: ANT INVASION AT THE POOL

2011-05-14T08:26:00.003+02:00

Remember: Don't bring food to a pool.

INSPIRATION: DAISY LOWE

2011-05-10T00:00:00.001+02:00

Old but nice. Something for the guys I guess, and the track is good as well of course ;-)

423: WELCOME TO INDONESIA

2011-05-09T07:05:00.005+02:00

As some of you know: I am in Indonesia right now. Jakarta and Bali are the places I'll be staying at. Here a couple of the few shots up to now...

Welcome to Dubai...

Jakarta. I'm not very fond of the tilt and shift look that is quite overused right now, especially when it's software-made. But here it's alright I guess.

Bali.

In Indonesia a bigger means healthier?!

PS.: All Iphone shots. The Nikon shots come later...

INSPIRATION: TURN UP THE VOLUME

2011-05-04T00:00:00.000+02:00

No real story or sense what so ever, but nice images and still pretty cool.

422: DVL 07 MAIKE DÖHLING

2011-04-30T03:30:00.002+02:00

I did an interview with actress Maike Döhling for her showreel. There wasn't actually a plan to make a Dream Vision Life Video, but I decided to pick some stuff out and make one. Enjoy...

421: ISMONO

2011-04-27T13:16:00.002+02:00

Chris Iskandar made this new animation. Thanks a lot!
I made the sounddesign. It's not 100% final, but for now I like it. Feedback is quite welcome.

420: A DAY AT THE HOSPITAL

2011-04-26T00:00:00.001+02:00

Visited a little friend in the hospital this weekend.

INSPIRATION: SYMMETRY

2011-04-24T06:28:00.002+02:00

419: DREAMER

2011-04-22T00:00:00.001+02:00

A friend of mine asked me to help him with some headshots. This is an unintended ones, but I love the dreamy look in combination with the suit.

Plus here is another one as a black & white conversion.

418: THE BEACH

2011-04-20T00:00:00.000+02:00

This is where I'm going to be soon...

TECH TALK: Final Cut Pro X (Some other editor's thoughts)

2011-04-19T11:08:00.003+02:00

I found an interesting blogpost about the upcoming FCPX. Check it out if you like. Link. (It might redirect you to your country's Gizmodo. Just change it to US and you'll find the post)

Here some keypoints, that I like to point out:

"…instead of fixing them, they just decided to change everything."

"This all seems well and good, except it's completely unimportant for professional editors who aren't finishing in Final Cut. Some of us color correct in a da Vinci with a professional colorist and then conform in a Flame. Steinauer's point proves the underlying key of FCPX: that it really isn't for professional editors."

"The biggest, most apparent change is the absence of the source monitor: it's the iMovie-ing of non-linear editing."

"Editing, for me, is still where the magic is. It's one thing to make changes for the sake of the people you claim are your clients and quite another to make changes for the sake of people who aren't. That's what these changes are, they are changes for the sake of making editing more accessible, not more functional."

Edit: Here is another interesting blogpost. Link.

"Apple is approaching other markets with FCP X, chiefly photographers. Adobe and Apple beat each-other up for these users, as the pro-sumer photography market is huge and growing by the day....Apple sees the future and it's got the software to lead these users into a new area where the lines clearly blur from editor, to photographer, to the two-guy shop speeding through web productions. "

INSPIRATION: GOING SOLO

2011-04-18T16:10:00.000+02:00

417: BLACK & WHITE REWORK

2011-04-18T00:00:00.000+02:00

Trying out some black & white conversions of some old work.

THOUGHT: On being Perfect or having something perfect

2011-04-17T00:00:00.002+02:00

I just saw this billboard, translated it says "You're not Gisele Bündchen. You're not Kate Moss. You're perfect."

Makes me wonder what is perfect and can you actually achieve it? I guess perfect is a subjective definition, but is it really reachable?

I believe man will never reach perfection itself, because we always strive for more. We always see something that we think is "better". Or in the worst case greed will turn us evil.

Therefore it could be hard to be happy and to reach perfection. The hunger for more will taint the thought or state of perfection.

So I guess you better be grateful for everything you have and for who you are right now. That's probably what makes you perfect.

416: CHUBBY LITTLE ANGELS

2011-04-15T00:00:00.000+02:00

TECH TALK: Final Cut Pro X Preview (My thoughts)

2011-04-14T14:52:00.003+02:00

Yesterday Final Cut Pro X was previewed. You can read about some of the facts in this post by Larry Jordan. I will not go into the facts, but I wanted to write down some of my thoughts and wonderings about this new upcoming release.

First and foremost I must say, that I started my career as a film editor with Final Cut Pro. It was easy to learn and quite fun to work with. A couple of years later I realized the flaws in Final Cut Pro. Moreover I started working with Avid (since that is mostly used in commercial film productions here in Germany).

By no means do I believe that Avid is flawless and perfect, but it feels more solid in my opinion. At least in the "classic" post-production workflow. I would say that FCP is like a swiss army knife that can do a lot of things, but Avid acts like a real tool. And I rather build a house with the proper tool than a swiss army knife.

The new Final Cut Pro X does look promising at first glance. I can understand that just reading about the new features, can make this new release pretty exciting. But I can't help but wonder if the mayor gripes that at least I do have with all the versions up to now are resolved.

I always hate FCP for the way it deals with render files. For instance: Why do I have to re-render a sequence just because I just switched the visibility of a video track on and off? I did not change anything, just find the old render files!

Another thing about the recent FCP is the gamma shift problem. Exporting files always ends with having slightly brighter files. I read that this has something to do with the way FCP handles RGB and 601 color spaces, although I'm not quite sure if that is the real reason.

File handling and moving files is also a little cumbersome in my opinion. If you move the files from one place to another (Backup reasons), sometimes during relink process I get error messages like "file X has different Timecodes. Can't relink!" I still don't have any clue why FCP does have such problems, but in Avid you just (because of the proprietary filesystem) copy the Mediafolder and it's more or less done. Ok with the introduction of the AMA file system, you could run into the same problems, but up to now I've been able to stay clear of that new feature.

These are just a couple of things that make me choose Avid over Final Cut Pro, nevertheless I am looking forward to see what Final Cut Pro X has to offer and how the pricetag of $299.- will change the game. By the way the pricetag leaves me skeptical about how mature the new release will be, but on the other hand FCP Studio was always quite affordable.

I would love to hear what others have to say about the new FCP X or what you think about my thoughts. Comment below...

415: ANNE CATHRINE

2011-04-13T00:00:00.000+02:00

Two weeks ago I took a couple of shots for the EP of a new artist. EP and more info about her coming soon.

INSPIRATION: ONE SPRING DAY

2011-04-11T13:31:00.002+02:00

Lately I'm really into BMX. Just got a new Bike by the way (Thanks to Mike L. and the gang). And I found this video. I can't stand the tilt and shift look anymore, but I haven't seen it in a BMX or any "extreme" Sport video yet. Overall the DOP did some good work.

INSPIRATION: THE LABYRINTH

2011-04-08T00:00:00.000+02:00

Just watched Jim Henson's "The Labyrinth". I can't believe that I haven't watched it before.

It's a fantasy movie where everything is actually hand made. No Cgi, maybe just two bluescreen scenes. Even if you do not like fantasy, I highly recommend watching this movie.

It's amazing how they built the sets and created all the characters. And since this was shot in 1986,it definitely was quite groundbreaking.

INSPIRATION: THE NEXT TIME

2011-04-06T02:01:00.002+02:00

I'm usually not a big fan of splitscreens, but in this short they add quite well to the story without distracting that much.

She is incredible, but I think they could have casted a better guy. I'm not too fond of his acting, although she makes up for it...

Made by
A76 Presents
A film by Duffy Higgins and John Jaxheimer
for Pret-A-Surf ('10/'11 Resort Line)

INSPIRATION: IRON

2011-04-04T00:00:00.000+02:00

These visuals are incredible! I needed a little to get used to the song, but now I'm really liking it.

414: STUPID WHITE MAN

2011-04-03T02:38:00.001+02:00

413: DINA

2011-04-01T12:21:00.002+02:00

412: ANGEL

2011-03-30T00:00:00.000+02:00

Found at Blaues Barhaus...

411: MY BIG BLACK BOOK (PORTFOLIO)

2011-03-28T12:33:00.002+02:00

Here it is. I finally invested in a new handmade black leather-bound portfolio made by Heiner Hauck Portfolios.

INSPIRATION: SHINYA KIMURA MOTORBIKES

2011-03-24T00:00:00.000+01:00

Love this short documentary...

INSPIRATION: BARCELONA

2011-03-22T14:52:00.002+01:00

In 1998 I've been in the staates for a highschool year with EF. I am not a really big fan of EF, but I love Barcelona and I like the concept of these videos. Also check out the Paris Version. It's even better, but I like Barcelona as a city more.

410: REWORK 2009

2011-03-19T00:00:00.000+01:00

Another reworked shot from 2009.

409: HAPPY BIRTHDAY...I GUESS

2011-03-16T00:00:00.000+01:00

Can't believe that I'm turning 30 today...
About this shot: Ironically I do not eat chocolate or Oreo cookies, but I thought I do a follow up shot to this one.

408: REWORK 2008

2011-03-13T00:00:00.001+01:00

Another reworked shot from 2008.

407: REWORK 2007

2011-03-11T01:47:00.004+01:00

Doing some rework on some old shots. This was actually one of my very first works back in 2007.

406: DREAMY

2011-03-09T00:00:00.000+01:00

When I was shooting Jana a couple of weeks ago, I tried out some available light shots.

405: ABYSS

2011-03-07T00:00:00.001+01:00

Cheers to Xenia...

404: MY BOTTLE LAMP

2011-03-05T00:00:00.000+01:00

403: THIS GOES INTO MY TOP 3 OF MY FAVORITE GADGETS

2011-03-03T00:00:00.000+01:00

Give me the tinfoil-hat. A new gadget for my Iphone

My Iphone 4 gives me certain headaches during calls. Or to be more specific: I get a stinging headache exactly on my ear. My chin begins to heat up as well. That worried me quiet a bit.

It turned out that I had a minor ear infection or rather inflammation in both ears, therefore my ears were a little sensitive. Nevertheless it is a fact (at least in my case) that the iphone 4 does have some stronger radiation than my former cellphones. Do I want to change my phone again? Actually no. I am quiet happy with the phone, although the battery seems to have less power after only two months of use.

So how do I solve my headache problem. First of all my ears needed to cure, but that doesn't help the fact that the phone actually does emit some radiation which does affect my body in some kind of way.

I know that there are no scientific facts (yet) that prove any health issues regarding cellphone radiation, but I do "feel" an effect. Even when my ears are healed the phone still heats up my chin in a minor way.

That's why I bought the Moshi Moshi handset from Native Union. It's a handset that is styled like the handset of an old phone. It comes in different styles and in about six different colors. Main reason for buying this handset was of course the health issue described above, but other than that it is way more comfortable to hold the phone during calls. Of course a normal in ear headset is more comfortable, but I didn't like all the fiddling around with the little in ear solution.

Overall the built quality is excellent. Sound quality was at first a little soft but then it gets louder. I am not sure yet if it needs to warm up or something. I have to observe that for a while.

The Moshi Moshi Handset definitely gets my recommendation!

INSPIRATION: FIRE

2011-03-02T16:46:00.000+01:00

Director: Ash Bolland
VFX: Umeric.com

INSPIRATION: CRASH

2011-03-02T16:45:00.001+01:00

Director: Ash Bolland
VFX: Umeric.com

INSPIRATION: MACRO KINGDOM III

2011-02-27T00:00:00.000+01:00

created by Clemento

INSPIRATION: DEAD ISLAND

2011-02-26T00:00:00.000+01:00

I guess most of the gaming fans already know this trailer (on youtube this had over 2 mio clicks within less than a week). I am not the zombie fan in particular, and the graphics look pretty good, but that's not what amazes me. I really like the editing in this trailer. Moreover the music is incredible. Be warned though: Nice music and good editing aside, it is a zombie trailer!

INSPIRATION: DESIGNHOTELS

2011-02-25T00:00:00.001+01:00

Actually I wasn't sure if I should post an imagefilm, but it is quite inspirering. In my opinion this is the way you should make an imagefilm - make it rather emotional than too informational.

A portrait of Rodrigo Machaz. Owner of the Memmo Baleeira Hotel in Sagres/Portugal.

DOP - Ross Mclennan.
Editor - Marty Schenk
Music by Radical Face.

402: FATHER AND SON

2011-02-23T00:00:00.000+01:00

QUESTION ANSWERED: DVL

2011-02-22T20:21:00.013+01:00

I recently got an email concerning the DVL Project. I thought it might be interesting to post an excerpt of the email and my reply.

"So, I noticed you said you film your interviews yourself. I'm actually planning a 'similar' project.

So since I'll be more or less filming and editing the interviews myself (even though as of right now i have NO idea how to edit) I was wondering if you could offer me a little guidance!

1. What lighting did you use for your interviews?
2. how many cameras did you use?
3. How'd you capture the audio?
4. I know this one may not make much sense, but, how hard is it to edit these interviews? The style you use is EXACTLY what I want mine to look like."

Click the link, to read my reply...

And here the excerpt of my reply:

"Ok let me start with answering your questions point by point:

1) I am using a three point lighting set. Actually those lights are the modeling lights on my three Bowens studio flashes. I "misuse" those flashes as studio video lights, because they give me the ability to use the bowens lightmodifiers like the bowens Beauty Dish or softboxes. To be exact I use the Beauty Dish as a main light with a fill card just below the interviewee, a strip light as a rimlight and the third light is for the background.

2) I use two cameras. I own the Nikon D5000 and the second camera is just any camera I can borrow at the moment. For the last six interviews I had a Panasonic HD Handy Cam available. For the next interviews I will borrow a Canon 550d. One reason for using two cameras was of course being able to edit, but another reason was the limited recordingtimes of the DSLR cameras. The Nikon only allows a recording time of 5 minutes and the Canon will give you 12 minutes. So you need to look out when one camera runs out, so that you don't end up with a part where no camera is rolling.

3) I capture the audio seperately with the M-Audio Microtrack 2 and a Sennheiser Shotgun Mic that a friend kindly borrowed me. The M-Audio isn't certainly the best, but it was the most affordable without sacrificing to much usability. I sync audio and both cameras in the editing programm.

4) Well, the question itself is unfortunately hard to answer. Editing is my job, and of course it became a second nature of me, but I wouldn't dare to say that editing is easy because there is always a lot to learn and a lot you can do wrong. Especially with interviews it can be quite difficult, because you are actually editing the words and emotions of someone else. Ok, I just realized that that wasn't exactly your question. Technically speaking: Getting the material into the editing programm, editing and then output to web became quite easy nowadays, but there are a lot of things you can get wrong.

Sorry the last answer probably didn't help you that much, but I will try to answer your future question as good as possible ;-)

Greets from Germany.
Bo"

INSPIRATION: WE'RE GONNA MAKE IT BETTER

2011-02-22T00:00:00.000+01:00

Created by:
Climent Canal (Idea & design)
climentcanal.com
Sebastián Baptista (Animation)
sebastianbap.com

401: DVL EPISODE 06 - ARASH

2011-02-18T23:30:00.001+01:00

This is the sixth episode of the DVL Project. Arash known as one of the members of the Assoto Sounds DJ Team nowadays concentrates mainly on being an event manager, booker and entrepreneur.

The next interview will be with DJ Mixwell. So stay tuned.

And as I said before. If you like the project then please don't hesitate to promote and support the project by posting the videos or a link on your page, facebook or blog. Thanks.

PS.:
There were some remarks about crossing the line of view (Achsensprung in german) in the DVL Videos. I know that they are "wrong", but I am focussing on the message itself rather than the technicalities. And the technicalities were actually the main reason for this failure. There are mainly positive comments regarding this project, but I felt I have to comment on crossing the line of view.

The DVL project is a no-budget project and one-man show. I do own just one camera that is capable of recording video - the Nikon D5000. Therefore I need to borrow another camera. For the first six interviews I only had this Panasonic HD Handy Cam available. You might know that these cameras are for right-handed people only and therefore the display is on the left. To operate both cameras and to interview at the same time, I had to sit in between both cameras unfortunately.

For the next interviews I will have two DSLR cameras, so the problem with the displays and therefore the problem with the position of the camera will be solved.

400: HOSPITAL

2011-02-17T16:55:00.003+01:00

Had to go to the hospital a couple of days ago. Hospitals are creepy at midnight...

WATCH THIS: SKATEISTAN

2011-02-15T15:08:00.000+01:00

Skateistan: To Live And Skate Kabul is a beautifully shot film that
follows the lives of a group of young skateboarders in Afghanistan. Operating against the backdrop of war and bleak prospects, the Skateistan charity project is the world’s first co-educational skateboarding school, where a team of international volunteers work with girls and boys between the ages of 5 and 17, an age group largely untouched by other aid programmes.

BY ORLANDO VON EINSIEDEL