Charlie Bit Me, David After Dentist, the Numa Numa chubby kid… these are just a couple of examples of some of the sudden stars on YouTube. We have all seen such videos and we pass them around but, how do these videos achieve this notoriety?
Well, now thanks to the “scientists” from the website Know Your Meme, we can all sit down and be enlightened on what is behind videos that become viral and other internet material that becomes famous around the globe. Interesting and witty, the members of the website pump out a video a week on any and all internet phenomena. Other than specific viral videos or web sites such as LOL Cats, but also on general internet trends and concepts.
Perhaps there is some wisdom behind these in-depth analyses, since many of us are making media meant for the web and we would just love to have it elevated to such levels of fame as Cat On Keyboard. Whether you watch these videos for their educational value or for the same reason you watched the Christian Bale rant in the first place, Know Your Meme is a great little internet gem.
For you enjoyment and education:
David After Dentist
Christian Bale Rant
Monday, November 23, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Shooting HD on a DSLR Camera
We are always after what is new and what is better in this world of digital technology and video. Not wanting to be left behind, filmmakers are eager and curious to try out the new wave in digital video: DSLR Cameras (Digital Single Lens) with HD capabilities.
Can these beauties really offer a viable alternative to more expensive digital video cameras? Maybe so…
The two most notable models of DSLR cameras out there are the Canon D5 Mark II and the Nikon D90, capable of shooting at 1080p and 720p respectively. Other models out there include Canon EOS 7D, the Nikon D300S and the Panasonic GH1 and DMC-GF1.
The Canon D5 Mark II is one of the most reputable models out there. Canon’s first camera to shoot HD video, it still remains a solid choice, user-friendly and with awesome sensors. One downside particular to this camera: It shoots video only in 30fps, there is no 24fps option.
To fix the problem, Canon one-ups itself an comes up with the D7, which is 24fps friendly, though in order to do that they reduce the size of the sensors.
The Nikon D90 seems to be the most user friendly. The intuitive interface is very similar to the D80 and therefore familiar to photo buffs. The Nikon sensors are smaller than either of the two Canons.
Similarly, the Nikon D300S is a converted version of one of their still cameras with added video capabilities.
Panasonic also had a couple of useful options. The DMC-GF1 has the same sensor limits as the two Nikons, but it is smaller than any of the previously noted models.
Though Canon and Nikon get most of the hype for HD, Panasonic’s GH1 offers full 1080ip at 24fps with the relatively smaller 4/3 lenses.
They keep getting better.
Coming out by the end of this year is Canon’s 1D Mark 1V. Here is a video where you can see all of its sweet qualities that have us drooling.
There are a few downfalls common to all of these nifty new DSLR's.
All these cameras are notorious for horrible sound capabilities. However, here is a list of popular devices used to record audio separately.
And, while the $2000 and under price tag is alluring, the price goes up if you start tagging on accessories. As an example, here is a video made by Chris Weeks, an LA photographer, breaking down all of his gear for his own HD DSLR.
For some more specs, sample footage of each of these cameras and some links check out http://www.dslr-cinematography.com/
Can these beauties really offer a viable alternative to more expensive digital video cameras? Maybe so…
The two most notable models of DSLR cameras out there are the Canon D5 Mark II and the Nikon D90, capable of shooting at 1080p and 720p respectively. Other models out there include Canon EOS 7D, the Nikon D300S and the Panasonic GH1 and DMC-GF1.
The Canon D5 Mark II is one of the most reputable models out there. Canon’s first camera to shoot HD video, it still remains a solid choice, user-friendly and with awesome sensors. One downside particular to this camera: It shoots video only in 30fps, there is no 24fps option.To fix the problem, Canon one-ups itself an comes up with the D7, which is 24fps friendly, though in order to do that they reduce the size of the sensors.
The Nikon D90 seems to be the most user friendly. The intuitive interface is very similar to the D80 and therefore familiar to photo buffs. The Nikon sensors are smaller than either of the two Canons.
Similarly, the Nikon D300S is a converted version of one of their still cameras with added video capabilities.
Panasonic also had a couple of useful options. The DMC-GF1 has the same sensor limits as the two Nikons, but it is smaller than any of the previously noted models.
Though Canon and Nikon get most of the hype for HD, Panasonic’s GH1 offers full 1080ip at 24fps with the relatively smaller 4/3 lenses.
They keep getting better.
Coming out by the end of this year is Canon’s 1D Mark 1V. Here is a video where you can see all of its sweet qualities that have us drooling.
There are a few downfalls common to all of these nifty new DSLR's.
All these cameras are notorious for horrible sound capabilities. However, here is a list of popular devices used to record audio separately.
And, while the $2000 and under price tag is alluring, the price goes up if you start tagging on accessories. As an example, here is a video made by Chris Weeks, an LA photographer, breaking down all of his gear for his own HD DSLR.
For some more specs, sample footage of each of these cameras and some links check out http://www.dslr-cinematography.com/
Monday, November 16, 2009
Zoe Saldana Redux, plus Eye-Opening Revelations for Film Students on the next Double Down Film Show
On the next Double Down Film Show we'll celebrate the DVD release of the summer blockbuster, Star Trek, with a special encore of our interview with rapidly rising star, and friend of the show, Zoe Saldana.From a slate of indies including, Co-host, Pete Chatmon's debut feature, Premium, Zoe has gone on to star in mega-films such as Star Trek and James Cameroon's soon-to-be released 3-D mega-movie, Avatar. Find out why she still loves working on indie films, her do's and don't's for first-time directors and her candid real-world advice for aspiring actors.
Plus we'll be giving out more golden nuggets with a special segment entitled Eye-Opening Revelations for Film Students. If you're dropping $20,000 - $50,000 on a film school education and just blindly following the curriculum, you're only getting half of what film school has to offer. Get our best tips for maximizing the film school experience and building your filmmaking career while still in film school.The Double Down Film Show...Filmmaking Reality Starts Here!
Listen Live Every Wednesday 9pm-10pm E.S.T.
Call-in Number: (646) 929-1956
Listen To It Online Here:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/DoubleDownFilmShow
Friday, November 13, 2009
YouTube to upgrade to HD 1080p by Next Week!
As HD becomes a possibility for the average consumer-Joe, YouTube sees the need to upgrade to 1080p! This is a great opportunity for filmmakers who have made HD material in the past and had to downgrade, or for those who are just beginning to dabble in High Def to showcase their stuff of newly improved (technical) quality to a broad audience. Take advantage of this new capability to update your own channels, re-advertise and ride the wave.
Full article can be found here.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
“Avatar”: A Film Made With A Little Help From Our Friends
Film is such a collaborative effort. The needier you are the more you rely on people helping you out, and as indie filmmakers we can really push the envelope of neediness.
It was in a similar vein, I suppose, that Paramount lent James Cameron a hand with marketing and tech help for his new behemo-film, “Avatar”. The plot of the film consists of humans invading a planet with indigenous blue people for our own benefit. In return for Cameron in return will be helping out Paramount’s new 3-D home theatre system project with his acquired 3-D expertise. You scratch my back, I scratch yours.
This is just one of the ways that Cameron, vision-driven to make his epic, used models of funding usually associated with indie and student films to cover his projected $500 million budget, according to Michael Cieply’s article in Nov. 9th’s New York Times. In addition to Paramount’s services-swap, Imax lent the “Titanic” director a hand by getting theater owners to screen a 15-minute preview last summer as an in-kind donation.
As the price of production flew over $300 million, Cameron had to defer his share of the revenue until all the different contributors, which included not just Fox, but Dune Entertainment and Ingenious Media, got their investment back. One more way to reassure them that their collective half a billion dollars is money well spent.
And with Cameron’s track record at Fox, the odds that this SciFi will be a blockbuster are pretty good. But still, it just goes to show that at all levels and budgets, films are made with a little help from friends.
It was in a similar vein, I suppose, that Paramount lent James Cameron a hand with marketing and tech help for his new behemo-film, “Avatar”. The plot of the film consists of humans invading a planet with indigenous blue people for our own benefit. In return for Cameron in return will be helping out Paramount’s new 3-D home theatre system project with his acquired 3-D expertise. You scratch my back, I scratch yours.This is just one of the ways that Cameron, vision-driven to make his epic, used models of funding usually associated with indie and student films to cover his projected $500 million budget, according to Michael Cieply’s article in Nov. 9th’s New York Times. In addition to Paramount’s services-swap, Imax lent the “Titanic” director a hand by getting theater owners to screen a 15-minute preview last summer as an in-kind donation.
As the price of production flew over $300 million, Cameron had to defer his share of the revenue until all the different contributors, which included not just Fox, but Dune Entertainment and Ingenious Media, got their investment back. One more way to reassure them that their collective half a billion dollars is money well spent.
And with Cameron’s track record at Fox, the odds that this SciFi will be a blockbuster are pretty good. But still, it just goes to show that at all levels and budgets, films are made with a little help from friends.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Straight From the Studios to Your TV...a Future With Less Middlemen
If you've been listening to any of the 30+ hours of free filmmaking advice we've been doling out every week on The Double Down Film Show, then you are already well aware that as I've been predicting and preaching on this blog since it started sveral year ago, the Hollywood middlemen of old (cable companies, networks, satellite providers, etc.) are being slowly, but surely, edged out of the picture.
Most of these operations produce very little if any original content. HBO and Showtime are the primary exceptions, but even their slates are heavily dependent on other people's products. Essentially, the biggest thing they bring to the table is an efficient delivery system..."the tubes" that get the product there to paraphrase kooky Senator, Ted Stevens.
Well now everyone has affordable access to these supply "tubes" in the form of the Internet and their old school distribution isn't nearly as valuable as it was when they were the only way to get your project out to a mass audience. It's an incredibly turbulent time for television and filmmaking right now...which means it's ripe with opportunities for independents if we pay careful attention.Peep out Sony's latest gangster move to bypass some of those profit-skimming "tubes" to get product directly to the people. Direct to consumer film/tv distribution isn't the future anymore. It's the HERE AND NOW...
Read the Article:
Sony to Offer Film on Internet TV, Then DVD
Sony to Offer Film on Internet TV, Then DVD
Monday, November 9, 2009
It's All About the A.D. on the Next Double Down Film Show
On the next Double Down Film Show this Wednesday, November 11th we’ll rap to Assistant Director, Greg Staley, who has helped to shepherd a dozen plus independent films through production over the years.One of the unsung heroes on any set is the A.D. Hiring a good and experienced Assistant Director can be the difference between making the day and busting the budget or the difference between a well-functioning crew and a chaotic set. Few positions on set can have the impact to make or break a production the way the A.D. does, so understanding their role is vital to your project’s success.
…The answers to these pressing questions and more will all be revealed on the next Double Down Film Show. Straight answers to real filmmaking problems from some of the best artists and craftspeople in the industry delivered straight to your ear every Wednesday night. Listen and learn.
- What little production secrets do A.D.’s know that you don’t?
- What type of temperament does an A.D. need?
- Who’s on the typical A.D.’s team?
- What type of logic goes into scheduling a big day?
- When should you bring an A.D. onboard?
The Double Down Film Show...Filmmaking Reality Starts Here!
Listen Live Every Wednesday 9pm-10pm E.S.T.
Call-in Number: (646) 929-1956
Listen To It Online Here:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/DoubleDownFilmShow
Friday, November 6, 2009
Is That a Slate in Your Pocket? - Smart Phone Apps for Filmmakers
You ever try to make a phone-call using your film slate? I’m sure you think that would be rather silly, but in today’s world of digital technology, why should anyone be surprised?
Amongst the over 100,000 iPhone applications available, there are now apps tailored specifically for the needs of filmmakers. The Zippo and Beer apps are important on set, sure, but now there is an ever-expanding selection of applications that can actually be practical to us.
For example: the slate. I have seen more than one low budget film using a makeshift slate, and I think every single set I have been on, someone cries “all eyes out for the dry-erase marker!” Well now your iPhone can be used as a slate with the Movie Slate App. At $9.99, it’s cheaper than the clunky original and saves you the running through pack after pack of double A’s.
The TapeMeasure. It’s use is pretty self-explanatory and it works by using the built in GPS. Useful for measuring in Meters or Yards, not inches though.
Or Gel Swatch Library. A made-for-video-lighting app that transforms your screen pixels into a small light, emitted in whatever standard gel color your cinematic eye desires. Sure, it might only be for tests and close-ups, but it still comes in pretty handy.
Also helpful for the low-budget filmmaker are the Calculators:
The Power Load Calculator (helps you calculate the load on a circuit so you can avoid blowing a fuse and keep a safer set), Depth of Field Calculator, TimeCode Calculator and the Film Rate Calculator, just to name a few. There is even a LightMeter that uses the camera to calculate perfect exposure!
A bunch of apps made for general use also happen to be particularly useful during production or pre-production.
Weather Underground or The Weather Channel apps, as well as the sunrise & sunset apps like Magic Hour can really help you plan your shoot for example, or any of several photo organizers to keep your stills in order.
There are always a million different tasks to do on set and it seems like more and more of them are now doable with a single device.
UPDATE:
Here's an even more comprehensive List of iPhone Filmmaking Apps courtesy of a comment by Samatha Halfton at the World Wide Angle Blog and written by Derrick Faw. Thanx for the tip!
Amongst the over 100,000 iPhone applications available, there are now apps tailored specifically for the needs of filmmakers. The Zippo and Beer apps are important on set, sure, but now there is an ever-expanding selection of applications that can actually be practical to us.
For example: the slate. I have seen more than one low budget film using a makeshift slate, and I think every single set I have been on, someone cries “all eyes out for the dry-erase marker!” Well now your iPhone can be used as a slate with the Movie Slate App. At $9.99, it’s cheaper than the clunky original and saves you the running through pack after pack of double A’s.
The TapeMeasure. It’s use is pretty self-explanatory and it works by using the built in GPS. Useful for measuring in Meters or Yards, not inches though.
Or Gel Swatch Library. A made-for-video-lighting app that transforms your screen pixels into a small light, emitted in whatever standard gel color your cinematic eye desires. Sure, it might only be for tests and close-ups, but it still comes in pretty handy.
Also helpful for the low-budget filmmaker are the Calculators:
The Power Load Calculator (helps you calculate the load on a circuit so you can avoid blowing a fuse and keep a safer set), Depth of Field Calculator, TimeCode Calculator and the Film Rate Calculator, just to name a few. There is even a LightMeter that uses the camera to calculate perfect exposure!
A bunch of apps made for general use also happen to be particularly useful during production or pre-production.
Weather Underground or The Weather Channel apps, as well as the sunrise & sunset apps like Magic Hour can really help you plan your shoot for example, or any of several photo organizers to keep your stills in order.
There are always a million different tasks to do on set and it seems like more and more of them are now doable with a single device.
Follow Up Questions:
1. What iPhone apps do you find most useful on set?
2. And what type of filmmaking apps would you like to see in the future?
Leave a comment below!
UPDATE:
Here's an even more comprehensive List of iPhone Filmmaking Apps courtesy of a comment by Samatha Halfton at the World Wide Angle Blog and written by Derrick Faw. Thanx for the tip!
Indie Film Guru Peter Broderick on the New Indie Landscape
This is Part 1 of a two part interview with notable indie film consultant, Peter Broderick, who was also the executive producer of Paper Chasers directed by Maxie Collier. Thanx to Maxie who posted this on his new Digital Media Recipes site so I could discover it and post it here for y'all...
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Star Wars Fans Gotta See This...
Just for my Star Wars geeks, here's a little seen behind-the-scenes photo of twin Princess Leias from Gizmodo.com. During a break in shooting on Return of the Jedi. Carrie Fisher and her stunt double, Tracy Eddon, are soaking up some rays and no doubt a million adolescent (and post-adolescent) Star Wars geek fantasies.(I've repeatedly tried to convince my wife that the Princess Leia bikini is what all the hot women are wearing on the beach, but she just won't take the bait. If only we lived on Tatooine!)
On a related note, I'm not sure if there are still tickets left in your area, but later this month I'm taking my six-year old Star Wars fanatic son to see Star Wars In Concert, which is a musical tribute to the film series featuring a full live orchestra playing those famous themes over Star Wars montages and perhaps, most intriguing for hardcore fans, they will also be displaying many of the original Star Wars props and costumes that have only previously been shown at a limited run at the Smithsonian museum almost a decade ago.
So it is a rare (and pricey) opportunity to see some scenes on a giant HD screen with live music and a classic museum exhibit. I'll let you know what I think of the show. At $82.00 a ticket though, we better both be wowwed and my son shouldn't stop smiling for at least a month!
Star Wars In Concert Trailer
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