One Last Talk!

Podcast Powered By Podbean

How is Your Software?

I'm not sure about all of you but this is going to be my favorite post. What do you edit in? Could it be Avid Media Composer, Apples Final Cut Pro,  or even Adobe Premiere Pro? Well I have used all three. They are all very similar, but very different. Most high schools in the United States are going to be running either Final Cut or Adobe. I know that I first started on Adobe, and have since developed my tastes to Media Composer. Avid Media Composer is like the Lamborghini of editing software. Most of you have all seen Marvels Avengers, well that movie was cut on Media Composer. It has more features than most amateur filmmakers would ever dream of. Final Cut will have a similar feel to Media Composer with slight differences. With big fancy programs there are unfortunately big fancy prices. Final Cut can be bought on any Mac's app store for $299. Adobe Premiere pro can be purchased for $799 on Adobe's website. And Last but certainly not least Media Composer is available online and through special retailers at the friendly cost of $2499. Now on the brighter side, if you are a student the price can drastically drop. I recommend doing a lot of research before choosing one. I will end by saying that most professors will tell you to choose Final Cut or Media Composer because they are the to leading the industry.    

Basic Editing!

There are lots techniques when it comes to editing. I am not going to cover them all but I am going to describe some of the more basic ones just as a little jump start. Keep in mind that there are lots of different ways to cut and manipulate film.

1. Cut - an instantaneous change form one image to another
2. Wipe - an obvious removal of one image by another by one rolling the other off the screen in one direction or another
3. Defocus effect - one shot ends out of focus; another beings there
4. Dissolve - a slow change from shot to shot, involving a moment when the two images blend
5. Freeze frame - movement in the sequence is stopped, creating the effect of a photograph 
6. Fade - the picture vanishes gradually to black (fade-out)or appears gradually on the screen from black (fade-in).
7. Zoom in and out- a character photographed in a long shot suddenly is zoomed into a close up or vice versa 
8. Metric montage - images change with the music beat
9. Slow motion - characters seem to move at an abnormally slow pace
10. Montage - many images are put together to create a single impact; often used with music for poetic or advertising effect
11. Fast motion - characters move very fast in jerky sequences reminiscent of silent movies 

Walter Murch!

So this semester at school I read In the Blink of an Eye. The book is written by Walter Murch and explains his philosophy on film editing. I want to be an editor which I finally grow up!  I love the ability to take a whole lot of chaos and mold it in to one beautiful entity. So I find it very interesting when Murch talks about how “editing is [like] a kind of surgery...like cooking...like dance…” (44-45).He explains editing more of a lifestyle, rather than just a task. I think I can relate to him because of how passionate he is. His rule of six, if you have to cut something to make the film work better, cut from the bottom up in this order: emotions, story, rhythm, eye trace, two dimensional plane of screen, and three dimensional space of action. If the three dimensional space of action is not working with the emotions, story, rhythm, eye trace and two dimensional plane of screen, then but the three dimensional space all together. If you have not read In the Blink of  an Eye I strongly suggest that you do, as I have an interest in film and editing this has change my thinking every since I read it. 

Can I Rewrite Your Movie?

People say film is written three times, which is true, but do you know how? The first time is when the screenwriter commits the story to paper, and the second time is when the director and actors commit the story to film. The third time film is written is when the editor constructs the story in time, this is the final telling of the story and most often  dismissed in conversation because it is behind the scenes. For example, for Hollywood writing, first a screen play is written (first time), then actors and directors put their own essence into the film which can change the story (second time), and finally the editor will then use the screenplay as a guideline and take the footage to create something new entirely. In my own experience I realize that the script is ever changing, and that it is rewritten time and time again. When I edit my films I especially play with this concept. 

Photo Break!

Camera Tips!

There are several camera techniques that can change the message and response in films; field of view, camera angle, camera lens, camera focus, and camera movement. Field of view can change the message coming across in films in two ways. If the camera is close to the subject and in focus then this creates the audience to feel closer to the subject, when the camera is further away from the subject that creates the audience to feel further away or separated from the subject. Camera angle can have three roles, powerful/ threatening, sympathetic/ superior, and trust. When the camera is looking up at a subject that makes the message come across as that person or thing is threatening or has more power than the subject doing the looking up. When the camera angle is looking down it does the opposite it creates the feeling of sympathy or being superior, and when the camera angle is level (eye to eye) that creates the feeling of trust between both subjects. Camera focus is another key technique, it helps direct the attention and control of the subject and plot. A soft focus can imply unclear thoughts, softness, a memory, whereas a sharp focus is reality.

Wolfe Camera Shop!

View Larger Map

Dogma 95!

In 1995 Directors Lars von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg started Dogme 95 and the Vow of Chastity as an avant-grade filmmaking movement. They were later joined by other directors but the movement needed in 2005, but that has not stopped filmmakers to continue the vow of chastity. The vow of chastity consist of several steps: 

1. Filming must be done on location. Props and sets must not be brought in
2. The sound must never be produced apart from the images or vice verse 
3. The camera must be a hand-held camera 
4. The film must be I color. Special lighting is not acceptable
5. Optical work and filter are forbidden 
6. The film must not contain superficial action 
7. Temporal and geographical alienation are forbidden 
8. Genre movies are not acceptable 
9. The final picture must be transferred to the academy 35 mm film, with an aspect ration of 4:3, that is, not widescreen 
10. The director must not be credited

I find this to be a very odd style. Although I think that it would be challenging and a lot of fun to try this out on a future project.

Bonjour!

The French New Wave was a movement that influenced filmmaking process. It started after World War II in France the classic filmmakers and the younger generation were not seeing eye to eye on the filmmaking process. Most of the French New Wave films used the same group of conventions: 

1. Jump cuts 
2. Shooting on location
3. Natural lighting 
4. Improvised dialogue and plotting
5. Direct sound recording 
6. Long takes. 

In this day and time these were new to the filmmaking industry. Jump cuts are remembered most when looking back on the French New Wave. They did the jump cuts to cover up any mistakes. 

The Soviets and their Montage!

Soviet Montage Theory relies on editing to make cinema more understanding and created. The five methods of montage were described by Sergei Eisenstein in his introductory essay “Word and Image”. Metric: There are a certain number of frames that the editing follows. Rhythmic is basically keeping the continuity through out the whole film. Tonal is all about the emotional meaning, which involves the length of the cuts and get a reaction from the audience. Overtonal/associational is made up of the metric, rhythmic, and tonal montage to effect the audience for a better effect. Finally, intellectual is filmed with shots both elicit and intellectual meaning. Eisenstein was considered the “father of montage”. Eisenstein believed that montage is dialectical, therefore is an example of Marxism and Hegelian philosophy.If it were not for the Soviets then we may never have the epic montage scenes that are plastered all over Hollywood. The Soviets started the way for many other types of cutting. 

DIY!

So in keeping with Film Riot, which I explained last time. I really wanted to show all of you this awesome dual shoulder rig that they build for under $20! I have actually made this rig and it is super awesome!

Film Riot!

I would like to take just a short break off of me just typing stuff, and actually show you something that has helped me over the past couple of years. This video down below is one of many that is like a free film school, they call themselves Film Riot! They make learning different techniques and programs fun and easy with a visual walk through. They also have weekly challenges that they want people like you to participate in. But don't just take my word for it watch a couple episodes. 

Picture This!

Photography is important to understand if you are interested in the art of filmmaking. Being able to understand how to think like a photographer can create better shots for your films. There are several approaches to choose a subject in still photography. The subject can be objective, known or recognizable, it can be non-objective; geometric-free form (made up), or symmetrical-same in size shape and position, or the subject can be asymmetrical-not same on both sides, or abstract-artist’s interpretation of objects. The focal point for still shots is the same as videography, rule of thirds. With the rule of thirds the main focal points are the corners of the middle square on the screen (so think of the screen as a tic tac toe board and the four intersections as the key focal points). Using this rule will result in good framing for photos and shots for videos. Depth of field is also very important. With great depth of field everything is in focus, for example, landscapes. When a landscape is captured the whole frame is in focus meaning everything is important. Shallow depth of field is when only a small area or subject is in focus, for example, portraits. When portraits have shallow depth of field the subject is in focus but the background is not. When taking photos, similar to taking a video, lighting, depth of field cropping, environment and subject are all key to a great photo or video. If you are a photographer think about what would make a good photo, and then create a video/story only on that one still shot, and if you are a videographer, take your video/story and single out a great still shot with all the qualities needed to create the proper depth of field, cropping, environment, etc. But this only scratches the surface of photography and cinematography. 

I Can See the Light!

Today I would like to talk you about lighting. Now first off, I just want to start by saying, I am not a professional and I don't have professional lighting equipment.  Now that said, I have used many different things to light my scenes. I have used flashlights, flexible lamps, work lights, but most commonly used would probably be sunlight. Yes, whenever possible I use the sun as my ally. But for those pesky inside scenes I use at least two light sources. Although the proper way to do it is call three point lighting system. A light on both sides of my subjects called: key light and the fill light. Having a light on both sides of the subject helps reduce shadow on the face or whatever you are filming. In the diagram below they also show a backlight. The backlight helps to separate your subject from the background. Even if you light your set properly that does not excuse you from color correcting your film in the end. So go ahead and shine some bright lights in your friends eyes, and have fun with it. 

                                             Diagram from http://www.desktop-documentaries.com/

Do You Hear That?

Last week we talked about sound, so this week I thought I might go back and be a little more specific about some of the technical things. One of the down sides to filming with a DSLR is that the big manufacturers decided to put Auto Gain Control (AGC) in their camera’s with no way to turn it off. Now some of you already know why this is a bad thing, I on the other hand had to learn this the hard way. You see, AGC fills in empty space with noise, so if you are trying to get a nice shot with some dialogue, don’t use the internal microphone. There are ways around AGC, mine being the H4N Zoom microphone/recorder. I just filmed a wedding this weekend and I hooked up my wireless lavalier microphone to the H4N Zoom and received a quality sound to accompany the video. Although this does mean more steps in post production. Now I have done a little research and I have found a third party firmware that allows your camera the option to turn off the AGC. This download is free and is called magic lantern. I plan to download it and we will see if that helps reduce the hum when a microphone is connected to the camera. Wish me luck!

Control Your Own Destiny!

This week I want to talk about sound. To me, sound is the most important aspect of your independent videos. So many people have these big expensive cameras that give them full HD video, but their audio sounds like a radio station thats out of range. Sound in the film industry is like the primary colors of art. In the early twentieth century silent films were produced, because sound in films had not been done yet. Today in modern times, most films are produced with sound. The average person does not watch a movie without sound, but the average person does listen to music without video. Sound is a key element.

http://vanishme.com/

To get better sound, you need to control your environment as best as you can. By this I mean, to cut out as much background noise as possible. Some things to look out for are ceiling fans, refrigerators, air conditioners, open windows, a neighbor mowing the lawn or even people talking in another room. The more you can cut out the better your sound will be.  If you can afford a microphone, other than the one on the camera, then I do suggest buying one. I personally bought the H4N ZOOM microphone/recorder (pictured above). It is a nifty little recorder for not a lot of money. It is great for picking up dialogue or just recording sounds for sound effects. You can use this microphone in several different ways: you can attach it to your camera, or you can record sound separately and match it up later in post production. There are plenty of other microphones out there that wont break the bank, so don’t let sound ruin the perfect take and you take control of your own project. 

Dare to Compare!

This week I decided to revisit last weeks topic about picking a camera. So I am going to take the two cameras that I mentioned last week and put them side by side for you.

Nikon D7000

www.digitaltrends.com

• EXPEED 2 Image Processor
• 1080p HD Video Capture
• 3.0" 921K-dot LCD Display
• 6 fps Continuous Shooting
• RAW + JPEG Still Image Capture                        
• Twin SD/SDHC/SDXC Card Slots
• 3D Color Matrix Metering System
• i-TTL Flash + Speedlight Compatibility
• 39 Point AF System
• Works with 60+ NIKKOR Lenses

www.northlight-images.co.uk

Canon 60D

• 18MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
• 1920 x 1080 HD Video Capture
• SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card Slot
• Vari-Angle Clear View 3.0" Flip-Out LCD
• DIGIC 4 Image Processor
• 5.3 fps Continuous Shooting                           
• Works with all Canon EF and EF-S Lenses
• ISO 6400 - Expandable to 12800
• HDMI Output to HDTV
• In-Camera Editing Options

They both look very similar and have similar features, so which one is better? Well, the answer to this question lies with you personally. I truly believe it is all preference. I feel like the Nikon takes a little bit better of a still photo, but the Canon does a better job of video. Someone else out there, maybe even you, might think that the Nikon is better in every way. Now like I told you last week I ended up getting a 60D. I will also say that it is not perfect. One thing that I wish Canon had on the camera is the twin SD slots, I strongly considered the D7000 for that reason. The D7000 has 39 points of autofocus and the 60D only has 9. The 60D is made from a polycarbonate resin which is not as sturdy as the D7000s magnesium-alloy body. It’s the small details that can sway a person either way. So make sure to pay attention to those small details. So, do you dare to compare?

Weapon of Choice!

What is your weapon of choice? Of course by weapon, I mean camera. If you want to be an independent filmmaker, then your probably going to need a camera. Now the biggest influence on which camera will probably be money for most people, I know it was for me. What is the most camera, for the least amount of green. There are so many different choices for video cameras. DSLR's are probably the route I would recommend. Honestly the DSLR's have the best quality for the least amount of money. Before you choose, do research on every possible thing you can. The Canon EOS 60D and the Nikon D7100 have been fighting for the top spot on consumer reports for about two years now. Once you've spent the money there is no going back. I chose the Canon EOS 60D, what will you chose?

Picture by WhatDigitalCamera.com

Introduction!

Welcome everyone to Cinema Oasis. My name is Jeremy Finnestad. I am a Mass Media major at Washburn University. In this blog I wish to share some of my knowledge of filmmaking. We will talk about important traits such as sound, equipment, lighting, and other interesting things to help your videos look as good as possible.  Of course I am still learning, but I have learned a couple of neat tricks and would like to share them in this blog with you!