1958-2009Thanks for entertaining us, Michael.
We'll miss you.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Michael Jackson - Billie Jean (1983) [Motown 25 Live]
When this performance was first aired live in 1983, everyone knew they were watching history...This was Michael at his best.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
It's a Music Video Mavericks - Double Play on the Next Double Down Film Show
This Wednesday on the 25th jam-packed episode of the Double Down Film Show we’re going to break down what it takes to create quality Music Videos on any budget.
First on deck is returning guest, Director of Photography - Cliff Charles, of The People's DP who shot When the Levees Broke as well as Pete Chatmon's new documentary 761st. Apart from collaborating with Spike Lee on several projects, Cliff has shot dozens of music videos and concerts with artists such as Mos Def, R&B singer Joe, Fabolous, Busta Rhymes and Young Jeezy. His work has been featured on HBO, MTV, BET, and on big screens everywhere. His latest venture is an educational site for cinematographers called TPDP.TV. We’ll discuss style, camera choice, crew and more!
Next on deck, is one of the hottest up and coming music video directors you’ve never heard of until now…Benjamin Ahr Harrison. Through his Brooklyn-based production company, Machine Man Inc., Ben has directed music videos by major and indie label artists such as Jake Lefco, Unconscious Logic, and two videos for artist A-Pinks that have gotten more than a million YouTube views each. His rare full package skills as a director, shooter, editor, visual FX artist, and animator have allowed him to consistently maximize production value and creativity on limited budgets.
Tune in and get another free serving of golden filmmaking advice on a silver platter.
Busta Rhymes I Got Bass Music Video
shot by Cliff Charles, directed by Vid Arroyo
Jake Leftco Out of My Comfort Zone Video
directed by Benjamin Ahr Harrison
A-Pinks' If My Hood Could Talk music video
directed by Benjamin Ahr Harrison
First on deck is returning guest, Director of Photography - Cliff Charles, of The People's DP who shot When the Levees Broke as well as Pete Chatmon's new documentary 761st. Apart from collaborating with Spike Lee on several projects, Cliff has shot dozens of music videos and concerts with artists such as Mos Def, R&B singer Joe, Fabolous, Busta Rhymes and Young Jeezy. His work has been featured on HBO, MTV, BET, and on big screens everywhere. His latest venture is an educational site for cinematographers called TPDP.TV. We’ll discuss style, camera choice, crew and more!
Tune in and get another free serving of golden filmmaking advice on a silver platter.
Busta Rhymes I Got Bass Music Video
shot by Cliff Charles, directed by Vid Arroyo
Busta Rhymes-I Got Bass-Music Video Directed by: Vid Arroyo aka Cine-Style Vid [Directors Cut] from Vid Arroyo on Vimeo.
Jake Leftco Out of My Comfort Zone Video
directed by Benjamin Ahr Harrison
Comfort Zone HD from Benjamin Ahr Harrison on Vimeo.
A-Pinks' If My Hood Could Talk music video
directed by Benjamin Ahr Harrison
If My Hood Could Talk from Benjamin Ahr Harrison on Vimeo.
The Double Down Film Show...Filmmaking Reality Starts Here!
Listen Live Every Wednesday 9pm-10pm E.S.T.
Call-in Number: (646) 929-1956Listen To It Online Here:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/DoubleDownFilmShow
Monday, June 22, 2009
Developments in 3D TV and Camera Technologies
With the recent success of 3D theatrical releases, and a slew of new pictures on the way (anyone else excited for the Jim Carrey vehicle A Christmas Carol?) it's no surprise that home entertainment companies are busily developing their own 3D products. Home users can already purchase 3D TVs, like Samsung and Mitsubishi's rear projection and flat panel 3D-compatible TVs.
Unfortunately, this technology is not affordable for your everyday Joe Schmo like me. Most of these TVs require additional purchases, including the purchase of those ever-important and fashionable 3D glasses. And lets face it, if you're gonna put the money into a 3D rear-projection system, you're sure as hell gonna want enough pairs of glasses to enjoy a movie with family and friends.
For the filmmaker interested in 3D, Panasonic is developing "a professional 3D Full HD production system", whatever that is. It sounds like fancy-talk for "I can make 3D movies in HD. Look at me!" The product is still in development, and pricing is not set.
For more information, check out reviews for 3D glasses here, and breaking news on 3D developments at 3D Roundup.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Outdoor Movie Screenings in NYC
Eventually the giant rain clouds hovering above NYC are going to shuffle onto their next destination. And when they do, you can take your poor pale self and head out to any number of the free/cheap outdoor film screenings taking place in NYC throughout the summer. For your own enjoyment, a compendium of some of these outdoor screenings follows.
1. Brooklyn Bridge Park Movies with a View
Where: Brooklyn Bridge Park
When: Thursdays in July and August, from 6pm-11pm
Event: Before the main feature, listen to a DJ, snack on food by RICE, and watch a short film.
Movies start at sunset.
Cost: FREE!
Screenings: Everything from cult classics like Raising Arizona and Edward Scissorhands, to classics like The Maltese Falcon.
2. Rooftop Films: Underground Movies Outdoors
Where: All over Manhattan
When: Every weekend, through September 20, 9:00pm.
Event: Independent film screenings from NYC and around the world. Doors open at 8pm, DJ spins at 8:30pm, and films start at 9:00pm. Many screenings are followed by a filmmaker Q&A.
Cost: $9 at door or online.
Screenings: Not your Blockbuster stuff. Heavy focus on foreign film and documentaries.
3. River to River Festival Film Screenings
Where: The Elevated Acre at 55 Water St., Manhattan
When: Mondays in July, 8pm.
Event: Part of the larger arts festival, these screenings are preceded by short films.
Cost: FREE!
Screenings: The Seven Year Itch, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974), West Side Story, and Sweet Smell of Success.
4. HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival
Where: Bryant Park, Manhattan
When: Mondays, ongoing through August 17th, films begin at dusk.
Event: The park opens at 5pm for blankets and picnicking. Films begin typically between 8pm and 9pm.
Cost: FREE!
Screenings: Classics like How Green Was My Valley and The Defiant Ones, and a few new classics like Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
5. SummerScreen
Where: Ball Fields at McCarren Park, Williamsburg, Brooklyn
When: Wednesdays in July and August, dusk.
Event: Sit in the stands, eat park food ($), and watch a feature.
Cost: FREE!
Screenings: Cult classics like Reality Bites, Evil Dead 2, and Fame.
6. Films on the Green
Where: Parks across Manhattan
When: Fridays in June and July, dusk.
Event: A French film festival, focused on the environment.
Cost: FREE!
Screenings: The Big Blue, Love is in the Air, Works, and Claire's Knees.
7. River Flicks for Grown-Ups
Where: Hudson River Park, Pier 54 at 14th St.
When: Wednesdays in July and August, dusk.
Event: Free popcorn and a 2008 Blockbuster.
Cost: FREE!
Screenings: Hits from last year, including Iron Man, The Dark Knight, and Tropic Thunder.
8. River Flicks for Kids
Where: Pier 46 at Charles St.
When: Fridays in July and August, dusk.
Event: Free popcorn and a kids movie.
Cost: FREE!
Screenings: Embrace the kid in you. Features movies like Wizard of Oz, Ghostbusters, and Curious George.
9. Outdoor Cinema 2009
Where: Socrates Sculpture Park, Queens
When: Wednesdays from July 15 to August 19, dusk.
Event: Pre-screening performances and local food vendors spice things up before the screening of an International film.
Cost: FREE!
Screenings: A film snobs dream, with films like Contempt, Waltz with Bashir, and Gomorrah.
1. Brooklyn Bridge Park Movies with a View
Where: Brooklyn Bridge Park
When: Thursdays in July and August, from 6pm-11pm
Event: Before the main feature, listen to a DJ, snack on food by RICE, and watch a short film.
Movies start at sunset.
Cost: FREE!
Screenings: Everything from cult classics like Raising Arizona and Edward Scissorhands, to classics like The Maltese Falcon.
2. Rooftop Films: Underground Movies Outdoors
Where: All over Manhattan
When: Every weekend, through September 20, 9:00pm.
Event: Independent film screenings from NYC and around the world. Doors open at 8pm, DJ spins at 8:30pm, and films start at 9:00pm. Many screenings are followed by a filmmaker Q&A.
Cost: $9 at door or online.
Screenings: Not your Blockbuster stuff. Heavy focus on foreign film and documentaries.
3. River to River Festival Film Screenings
Where: The Elevated Acre at 55 Water St., Manhattan
When: Mondays in July, 8pm.
Event: Part of the larger arts festival, these screenings are preceded by short films.
Cost: FREE!
Screenings: The Seven Year Itch, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974), West Side Story, and Sweet Smell of Success.
4. HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival
Where: Bryant Park, Manhattan
When: Mondays, ongoing through August 17th, films begin at dusk.
Event: The park opens at 5pm for blankets and picnicking. Films begin typically between 8pm and 9pm.
Cost: FREE!
Screenings: Classics like How Green Was My Valley and The Defiant Ones, and a few new classics like Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
5. SummerScreen
Where: Ball Fields at McCarren Park, Williamsburg, Brooklyn
When: Wednesdays in July and August, dusk.
Event: Sit in the stands, eat park food ($), and watch a feature.
Cost: FREE!
Screenings: Cult classics like Reality Bites, Evil Dead 2, and Fame.
6. Films on the Green
Where: Parks across Manhattan
When: Fridays in June and July, dusk.
Event: A French film festival, focused on the environment.
Cost: FREE!
Screenings: The Big Blue, Love is in the Air, Works, and Claire's Knees.
7. River Flicks for Grown-Ups
Where: Hudson River Park, Pier 54 at 14th St.
When: Wednesdays in July and August, dusk.
Event: Free popcorn and a 2008 Blockbuster.
Cost: FREE!
Screenings: Hits from last year, including Iron Man, The Dark Knight, and Tropic Thunder.
8. River Flicks for Kids
Where: Pier 46 at Charles St.
When: Fridays in July and August, dusk.
Event: Free popcorn and a kids movie.
Cost: FREE!
Screenings: Embrace the kid in you. Features movies like Wizard of Oz, Ghostbusters, and Curious George.
9. Outdoor Cinema 2009
Where: Socrates Sculpture Park, Queens
When: Wednesdays from July 15 to August 19, dusk.
Event: Pre-screening performances and local food vendors spice things up before the screening of an International film.
Cost: FREE!
Screenings: A film snobs dream, with films like Contempt, Waltz with Bashir, and Gomorrah.
LoiLoScope Editing Software
A company out of Japan just released new movie editing software geared at editing newbies. Crazy name aside, "Super LoiLoScope MARS" looks like a pretty cool editing interface. The company calls the interface "game-like" and it certainly looks that way--it has got nifty tricks like a giant "magnet" you can use to organize your video clips.
Check out the video below for a sample of LoiLoScope's capabilities. I'm a fan of its toolbar, which lets you add and adjust visual effects to a clip while you're watching it. I also like the fact that users can save their work in formats for everything from iPods to YouTube. The major drawback? It only runs on Windows.
If you're intrigued you can download a free trial at the LoiLoScope website here, or purchase it for 69 good ole American dollars. Not too shabby, eh?
If you're looking for more info you can check out this article from The New York Times.
Check out the video below for a sample of LoiLoScope's capabilities. I'm a fan of its toolbar, which lets you add and adjust visual effects to a clip while you're watching it. I also like the fact that users can save their work in formats for everything from iPods to YouTube. The major drawback? It only runs on Windows.
If you're intrigued you can download a free trial at the LoiLoScope website here, or purchase it for 69 good ole American dollars. Not too shabby, eh?
If you're looking for more info you can check out this article from The New York Times.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Color Theory for Cinematographers
Alright, all you DPs out there--check this blog out if you wanna learn the importance of utilizing your color palette on film.
A couple months back Isaac Botkin wrote an interesting blog examining the use of color as a "storytelling tool" onscreen. In "Color Theory for Cinematographers" Botkin provides an in-depth analysis of color in Ridley Scott's Black Hawk Down, illustrating how the film artfully conveys emotion through alterations in its color palette.
Botkin also provides a link to Brendan Dawes' fascinating "color charts." Dawes ran his favorite films through a Java program, which "sample[d] a movie every second and generate[d] an 8 x 6 pixel image of the frame at that moment in time." These "Cinema Reduxes", as he calls them, provide a "unique fingerprint" for each film, illustrating the changes in color and lighting that occur throughout the film. It's an interesting way to look at the entirety of a film in one image--and a great way to study its use of color, lighting, and rhythm.
While Dawes created only 8 Reduxes (two of which were featured in a MoMA exhibit), his work has inspired copycat work. For more Reduxes check out Matthew Merkovich's website here.
--Joanna Chlebus
A couple months back Isaac Botkin wrote an interesting blog examining the use of color as a "storytelling tool" onscreen. In "Color Theory for Cinematographers" Botkin provides an in-depth analysis of color in Ridley Scott's Black Hawk Down, illustrating how the film artfully conveys emotion through alterations in its color palette.
Botkin also provides a link to Brendan Dawes' fascinating "color charts." Dawes ran his favorite films through a Java program, which "sample[d] a movie every second and generate[d] an 8 x 6 pixel image of the frame at that moment in time." These "Cinema Reduxes", as he calls them, provide a "unique fingerprint" for each film, illustrating the changes in color and lighting that occur throughout the film. It's an interesting way to look at the entirety of a film in one image--and a great way to study its use of color, lighting, and rhythm.
While Dawes created only 8 Reduxes (two of which were featured in a MoMA exhibit), his work has inspired copycat work. For more Reduxes check out Matthew Merkovich's website here.
--Joanna Chlebus
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The Nuts and Bolts of Running a Production Tonight on the Double Down
On the next Double Down Film Show we’re gonna get down to the nuts and bolts of production coordinating a feature film. What are the day-to-day considerations of running a feature film set? How do you get and keep two dozen people on the same page day-after-day? What are the most important aspects of the job? How can you hire a good production coordinator for your film?
We’ll discuss all this and more with our special guest Production Coordinator / Producer, Lynn Appelle, who has worked on the producing teams of such films as Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, Empire and was one of the producers of co-host Pete Chatmon's Premium. Most notably, Lynn also won an Academy Award for co=producing the documentary short Thoth.
The Double Down Film Show...Filmmaking Reality Starts Here!
Listen Live Every Wednesday 9pm-10pm E.S.T.
Call-in Number: (646) 929-1956
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Tonight - It's All About the M-O-N-E-Y on the Double Down Film Show
On the next Double Down Film Show it’s all about the M-O-N-E-Y.We all have a story to tell, but none of us has the money. Using Co-host Pete Chatmon’s indie film, “Premium”, as a case-study, we’ll go through some of the most elusive aspects of the
fundraising process and share practical tips for overcoming the biggest obstacle to your first feature film. (See Forbes magazine's "Premium" profile story here.)Your budget and even investor offering plan are only the start of the process. Learn about everything else you’ll need to consider to cross the fundraising finish line only on the Double Down Film Show. We learned it the hard way so you don’t have to.
The Double Down Film Show...Filmmaking Reality Starts Here!
Listen Live Every Wednesday 9pm-10pm E.S.T.
Call-in Number: (646) 929-1956
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Equipment Rental Stategies and Red Camera Redux - Tonight on The Double Down Film Show!
On tonight’s Double Down Film Show it’s another double-header of free film education. First up is Mike Nichols Rental Coordinator from Abel Cine Tech, one of the premiere camera rental houses in NYC.We’ll be discussing everything you ever wanted to know about renting film equipment- rental requirements, what’s new and hot on the shelf, how to get the best deal, and more! We’ll also share our tips for preparing for the common issues that come up with vehicle rentals that we’ve only learned through painful experience.
Next on deck will be David Ford from Gotham Digital, the video division of Gotham Sound, one of the most popular sound rental houses in New York City. David’s gonna help us continue last week’s dialogue about the revolutionary new 4K Red Camera. He’ll give a crash course intro to all things Red and see if we can get a little more perspective on the controversy and confusion surrounding the Red’s unique and challenging post-production workflow.
The back door to film school is now open…listen and learn.
The Double Down Film Show...Filmmaking Reality Starts Here!
Listen Live Every Wednesday 9pm-10pm E.S.T.
Call-in Number: (646) 929-1956
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