Although you might not be rendering your final videos in 4K yet, the chances are that you are already mostly working with 4K footage. This has become the norm for video producers. Now, working in 4K can be frustrating if you have not upgraded your video editing system together with the camera. Fortunately, it does not have to be very expensive to get a machine that will make doing the post in 4K as easy as it was in HD. I recently got a new editing system and here is some advice for anyone looking to do the same. Continue reading The right computer for 4K editing and post-production
Camera Revolution: organic photoconductive film CMOS sensor
Every year there is something to get excited about, as camera makers release their new and improved models. However, Panasonic’s recent announcement of the development of an organic photoconductive film (OPF) CMOS sensor takes excitement to a new level, as it promises to revolutionize the camera technology. Continue reading Camera Revolution: organic photoconductive film CMOS sensor
Gear Deals: Atomos Recorders
If you’ve been thinking about getting one of the excellent Atomos monitors / recorders, Adorama has good deals right now. The Shogun is $500 off and the Ninja Assassin is $300 off. There are also discounts on batteries and other Atomos accessories. You can see all the deals here.
You can see my review of the Atomos Shogun here.
Cool Gear: Aputure wireless HDMI video transmitter with zero latency
Aputure has just released – on Amazon – a pretty cool gadget – a wireless transmitter that can transmit and receive fully uncompressed video, with zero latency. Also, it works in 60 GHz, as opposed to 2.4 GHz that most transmitters use – the lower frequency sometimes causes interference and slight delays.
Continue reading Cool Gear: Aputure wireless HDMI video transmitter with zero latency
From wedding videos to films – the outstanding work of cinematographer Colin Pregent
Today, I saw the short film “The Answers”, which is currently featured on Vimeo Staff Picks. The film has done a long and successful festival tour (winning eight awards) and is now piling up views online. Short films are great for showcasing talents of indie filmmakers. This well-crafted and entertaining film accomplishes exactly that. It has led me to discover the talents of Colin Pregent, among others. Continue reading From wedding videos to films – the outstanding work of cinematographer Colin Pregent
The Cinematography of “Sicario”
Despite all the controversy surrounding this year’s Oscar nominations, 2016 saw outstanding work from many filmmakers, including those recognized by the Academy. One of the most deserving Oscar nominations went to the cinematographer of “Sicario”, Roger Deakins (the film also received two other nominations: Original Score for Jóhann Jóhannsson; and Sound Editing for Alan Robert Murray). Roger Deakins is an accomplished Hollywood cinematographer – some call him the best DP to have never won an Oscar (despite his twelve nominations, before this year’s). He is also someone who shares his knowledge freely. Therefore, he is the perfect person to learn from. Continue reading The Cinematography of “Sicario”
The growth mindset – the key to developing skills in filmmaking and anything else
Recently, I came across research papers in psychology and education that I found fascinating. The work comes from, among others, Carol Dweck, who is a psychology professor at the Stanford University. She has been studying people’s mental attitudes and how they inhibit or propel achievement and personal development. Her findings are very powerful, I think, and widely applicable. Continue reading The growth mindset – the key to developing skills in filmmaking and anything else
Should We Be Upset With The Oscars?
Since the announcement of the 2016 Oscar nominations, a lot of criticism has fallen onto The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (the body behind for the Oscars awards). Some have suggested boycotting the awards show and the hashtag “#OscarsSoWhite” has become popular on Twitter. Even the president of the Academy admitted being deeply disappointed by the nominations. The criticism is the result of the perceived bias of the Academy against racial – and other – minorities. Whether you think that the accusations of racism are warranted or not, it is difficult to argue that the award nominations do not lack racial diversity (they really are “lily white”, as Spike Lee has put it). Continue reading Should We Be Upset With The Oscars?
I am on a tour!
I am excited to announce that I will be touring with a filmmaking workshop – the 2 Day Cine School. We have worked really hard to prepare this workshop for you and I really believe that those of you who attend will get a lot out of it. To give you a sense of what to expect, here is the tour trailer. Continue reading I am on a tour!
Bikini Shoot with $3 DIY Reflector – Photo & Video Tutorial
In this tutorial, I show you how to use natural, available light, like the sun to get sexy bikini beach shots! Continue reading Bikini Shoot with $3 DIY Reflector – Photo & Video Tutorial