Projects are a great way to spend a weekend...

Hey everyone,

So I'm home for the weekend and chugging away with this ADR project. Quick question though-- What's the minimum time limit for this project? Right now I only have a minute of material, I might be able to stretch it to just under 2 minutes, but I'm doing a TV show promo, so I'm not sure if I can really get it to be much longer than that. Help?

I hope you're all enjoying your weekend.

Voice Changing

I never knew there was a pitch-changing tool in Final Cut before, so now I'm having fun trying to figure out what all the various attributes do. Does anyone know how to make a voice more feminine (there is a female character in my edit, but I don't have a female voice actor)? Just changing the pitch doesn't really do the trick, it just gives it a chipmunk-like sound. Also, what are all these variables? Smooth, analysis window, overlap, reset scale...What is all this?

Happy Earth Day!

Cartoon by my good friend and amazing artist Rich Powell. You can also check his blog which shows great current work in progress and his shop where he sells prints and originals of his artwork. He also publishes a hilarious weekly cartoon call Dixie Drive, talk about a productive artist:-)!

30 Minutes or Less

Here is the trailer for 30 Minutes or Less. It's a new comedy coming out with Jesse Eisenburg, Aziz, and (Kenny Powers) forget his real name. The link is in the title.

How to Train Your Dragon

I can't remember if I've already posted about this movie- it's entirely possible, because every time I listen to the score I get re-obsessed with it. I realize it's a kid movie about an adorable dragon and Vikings and fire, but: it's a kid movie about an adorable dragon and Vikings and fire. I mean, you can give me some leeway, right?

But seriously, the score is absolutely fantastic. I think it got nominated for an Academy Award, John Powell's first (I think). Powell worked on Ice Age, The Road to El Dorado (w/ Hans Zimmer- anyone remember this movie? I remember liking it), Shrek, Robots, Horton Hears a Who!, and PS I Love You. So my recommendation is to either listen to a few of the tracks from the score (like Forbidden Friendship, Downed Dragon, and See You Tomorrow) or just go see the movie. It's a legitimately fun movie, really. I promise.

AND THAT DRAGON IS SO CUTE.

I mean, ahem. What was I doing? Right: intelligent conversation about the composer. Ahem.

No really, just please listen to the music or see the movie. It's a fun time all around.

adr

for my adr project I'm using clips from spongebob and the movie Se7en. It's coming together pretty well actually. I am hopefully recording voices tonight. All is going good.

p.s.- what is a transcript.. I know its like an academic record that you send out to other schools and colleges. but I was confused when that word was used in class today. didn't really make any sense to me. can someone clear that up?

Zombies Ate my Neighbors

So for the ADR project I am adding voiceovers and clips of anchorman over a clip from the old nintendo game zombies ate my neighbors. So far it looks ok, but I don't exactly now how its going to sound when I include the voiceovers with the movie clips. Also, I used some Call of Duty Black Ops background noise.

ADRADRADRADRADR

Finally started editing my ADR project, im using a trailer for the dance movie "You Got Served", and then putting in clips from South Park to make the trailer.

I downloaded about 7 episodes of South Park, that i watched first. The episodes all have some aspect of dancing, which will definitely help me out, when i cut my clips.

Project doesnt seem to hard for now, but i think when we start using Pro tools for the actual ADR part of it, it'll definitely get harder.


Hope everyones project is going swimmingly.

More HDR

Thanks to Travis for the link. This is an HDR photo by dacoach89_89 which I find pretty cool. I like the entropy that wrestles everything to dust again!

So, if I wanted to insert a 3D object or character into this background I could use the picture itself as an illuminating source, so that the 3d character would perfectly fit in that environment as if it had been actually there.

I quote from the Maya documentation: With image-based lighting, you use an environment texture (an image file) to illuminate the scene. Typically, the image is a photograph of a real environment, either a panoramic image or a photograph produced by taking pictures of a chrome ball (to capture the surrounding environment).

This is a technology developed by Paul Devebec, a USC researcher who is best known for his work in high dynamic range imaging and image-based modelling and rendering. He was awarded (along with Tim Hawkins, John Monos and Mark Sagar) a 2009 Scientific and Engineering Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the design and engineering of the Light Stage capture device .

You have seen or can see his work in some of these films: The Matrix (1999), Spider-Man 2 (2004), King Kong (2005), Superman Returns (2006), Spider-Man 3 (2007), and Avatar (2009).

Image from HDR Shop, an HDR image processing and manipulation tool that you can download HERE , unfortunately Windows only:-(

HDRI

I was exploring on flickr when I came across some interesting photos. I did a little research and found out they were done using a technique called HDRI (high dynamic range imaging) or HDR for short. Basically what you do is take multiple shots of the same image; one with a normal exposure, one underexposed, and one overexposed. Then you bring the images into some editing software (something like photomatix) and put the images on top of each other. The result is a single image that supposedly has a higher dynamic range than the human eye. I think the pictures look a lot like video game images only more realistic. You can do this with digital or film and it can be done with video. The video link is in the title. Here is a link for some HDR still images:

PHOTOSTREAM

Non CG Special Effects

So I was reading online and came across this article. The article explains that modern technology has effected the special effects in films and shows, but just because we have the technology to add in effects and such, sometimes adding effects in in post-production doesn't necessarily make things look better. This article shows a few examples of ways in which to create effects, while shooting a production. Its actually really interesting. The link is in the title if you want to take a look at it.

Am I doing the project right?

Seriously. I have no idea what I'm doing with this. It's just awkward for me to take two movies or something and try to put them together, then ADR over it and make something "new." Even if I were to ADR it and change the lines to make it fit, it would still look awful.

I would rather make something original that I know will look good and sound good rather than hack together something from a bunch of different clips from a limited selection. I'd ADR a Disney movie, but oops! Those aren't free domain.

Anyhow, I've got Plan 9 on the docket right now. I'll see what I can do with that..

Confusedly,
Will

2nd project

So for my second project, I decided to do a mash up of Rex Ryan (the NY Jets coach) interviews and make fun of all the things he has said or done in the past. Since they never show the reporters faces, I can make up the questions to make my answers easier to dub over when Rex talks. I think that I can do a great job with this and that it will be fun and entertaining to do. If anyone has any good ideas, please let me know. I have already started the voice overs, and the rest is still yet to come.


Steve

dont look now but it might be nce outside

weathers starting to pick up and its about time. got about 1 min on my ADR transcribed and still looking for a good george w bush character/voice. any ideas for what i can combine his speech with? i was thinking another interview but im still not sure

The Academy

One of the many exhibitions that the Academy holds throughout the year

Sometimes we think of the Academy as something remote that we connect with every year during the Oscars. But of course it is a lot more than that. As students of entertainment media there is much to learn and benefit from the numerous activities that you can have access to if you are in LA for your internship. So make sure to check their calendar of events.

At the very least be informed by the innumerable articles, research in the science and technology of movies, and of the numerous grants, internships and fellowships that the Academy grants every year to educational institutions across the country.

As a student of Ithaca College you are part of a select community of individuals who are expected to make their mark in the industry of communications and storytelling. Variety, which is the premier source of entertainment news in the world of show business, lists IC as one of the top media programs in the nation. It is up to you to use this platform to further your career opportunities. It takes work, and passion. Your call.

cutting trailers to give them a different meaning

I came across these on youtube today! I thought they were pretty cool like they take movies and give them a completely different meaning!

Toy Story 3: The Dark Knight

(500) Days of Summer recut as a thriller

ESPN Presentation

I know this was a few days ago, but I thought I should post about the ESPN panel on friday afternoon. If you are interested in working in sports video, you should have gone. It was a great experience. A dozen alums were there including Karl Ravech who for all you baseball fans is kind of the man. There were producers and the guy who makes the awesome graphics for sportscenter. They talked about transitioning to 3D and trying to stay on top of the business. It was really cool. Also, Park Aud was completely packed. Standing room only. Crazy.

Game of Thrones

So I watched the premiere of Game of Thrones last night and I really enjoyed it. The first episode was pretty much a setup episode showing a few of the kingdoms in the story and their ties to one another. It also introduces the main players in the story and their relationships. Like every HBO series there was lots and lots and lots of sex! I don't want to give away too much of anything because I know other people (becca) are planning on watching it. I'm looking forward to the rest of the season I feel like it will be really good.

Almost Summer

I'm just realizing now how little time we have until the end of the semester. Seems crazy, it feels like we just got back from Christmas Break. But nonetheless, I'm excited for some time off from classes and such. Anyone else staying in Ithaca over the summer??

The animation used in Tangled v. Toy Story 3

So I watched Tangled for like the third time on thursday night and the animation still blows my mind. I found it shocking that it wasn't Pixar that created it but Walt Disney Animation Studios. The next day I watched Toy Story 3, which was created by Pixar Disney animation and it is obvious that the animation was different. I was wondering how the studio that produces the film effects how it is animated? Do they use totally different programs even though both are affiliated with Disney?

animated photography

So I was procrastinating, wasting time on the internet, what else is new. And I stumbled upon this. and no, not from the website. I thought it was really cool so I figured I'd pass it along. Just goes to show you how you can combine photography and video. Very cool stuff. Anyway, see everyone bright and early tomorrow morning.

Game of Thrones

So I feel the need to watch Sean Bean be awesome and epic, but HBO and Hulu don't have full episodes on their site, and while HBO's previews and the behind-the-scenes stuff would be cool to watch, I want to actually watch an episode before I go click on everything on their site. Is it out online somewhere? I mean, I'm taking a wild guess and saying that it definitely is, I'm just wondering if anyone had found anything that was okay quality. On that note, did anyone watch it (Luke?)? Apparently this is HBO's comeback attempt (I think I read it was a $60 mil gamble), so I'd like to know if it looks like they're going to succeed.

But it has Sean Bean, so I shouldn't be worried.

Fan Girl Moment!

So a few weeks ago I posted my ukulele cover of Alexz Johnson's "Skin".

This morning, I found out that not only had Alexz Johnson seen my video, but she tweeted it. This is really cool news, because I was a huge fan of Instant Star, and so I absolutely adore her. So yeah, it's extremely awesome to have a professional you admire enjoy your work!!!

However, I also found this a little irritating, because I realized that video in particular was recorded and edited very quickly, and so the quality is quite poor. I guess I've learned my lesson; I should edit every vlog as if the person who wrote the song originally is watching.

Anyway, that's my fan girl story. I also realized I never posted about my most recent vlog (posted last week). This one was for my dad's birthday. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Charlie Chaplin

I just saw on Google that sometime within the past few days marked the 122nd birthday of filmmaker Charlie Chaplin. I have only seen one of his movies (City Lights). When I finally decided to watch it two summers ago I was really skeptical because I remember form my childhood seeing some really stupid/silly short silent films and didn't really like them. BUT when I saw City Lights, I was blown away with how...perfect(?) it was all put together (question mark being that its hard to describe the ingeniousness of this film). Anyways, I would highly encourage everyone in the class to see it, as well as any other Charlie Chaplin film (I've heard they're all really good).

M. Night Shyamalan Returns to Film School???

A new article surficed the other day over M. Night Shyamalan, and the fact that he should go back to film school, the article talks about him attending NYU. I know that there are mixed feelings over M. Night and his movies, some people love them, and others (a majority) don't but do people really have to go this far to get their point/opinion across? The article is actually really well written and explains a lot, so if interested the link to the article is in the title.

Please excuse my harry potter obsession. In my defense it's been 13 years of my life.

Alright, so here comes my geek moment. HARRY POTTER 7 PART 1 IS RELEASED ON DVD TODAY. okay now that I got that out of my system, I'm going to sit here in class, then go to work, then go buy the DVD and stay up all night watching it again. Seriously though, this, in my opinion, is the first time they've gotten the movie right since the first 2 when Christopher Columbus was directing it. 90 DAYS UNTIL PART 2. There, okay I'm done being excited about this....for the most part anyway =)

The Hobbit

everyone. the Hobbit shooting has finally begun! The video in the title shows you how much goes into the preproduction on this beautiful film. it should be done in about two years and everyone will be patiently waiting. Also, something that is interesting is that they are shooting it at 45 frames per second. check it out though. its so sweet. I can't wait. Peter Jackson is incredible.

more dubs

So while I've been searching for a little inspiration I came across these trailer recuts. They're pretty good and make the movie the complete opposite of what it actually is..

The shining
Mary Poppins (makes it wicked scary)
Mrs. Doubtfire

I think its really cool how with editing you can take something and totally flip it around and make it into something new.

To a Pulp!

Warning: Shameless plug ahead. Hard hat required at all times.

Okay, so I'm an associate producer for the ICTV fiction field comedy To a Pulp. It's about a fictional college newspaper and the crazy people who run it (no, it's not just a show making fun of the Ithacan). It's a little like The Office, but our characters do differ and it's not shot in the mockumentary style.

Anyhoo- the premiere of our 2nd and last season is on Saturday, April 30th in Park Auditorium! Doors open at 7 and we'll start the screening at 7:30. We'll be showing a recap of season 1 as well as all three episodes from season 2. All of season 1 is on ICTV.org if you want to check it out. Hope you can make it, we've worked really hard to make it an actual high-quality show and we're really proud of what we've done.

Basically: if you want to see a puppet, Lord of the Rings battle figurines, and a sword fight with a golf club and a toucan umbrella, come to To a Pulp's season 2 premiere on April 30th at 7 in Park Aud. Hope to see you there!

getting videos

Hey guys just wanted to let you know that if you have firefox (if not u can download it for free) u can download an application for it called download helper. this app lets u take videos from youtube or any other site such as CNN or HULU, and make them your own. You can put them on your desktop and edit them to your liking. IT makes life a lot lot lot easier!!

Guide to Youtube Success

So I was doing some browsing around the net and I was checking one of my regular sites. Recently freddiew (some of you may know him) wrote up a guide on how to be successful on Youtube. For those of you who have never watched any freddie wong videos go on youtube and check out his channels freddiew and freddiew2. Anyway I thought the guide was really interesting and thought you guys would like it. Just so you get an idea of how successful freddiew is viewer wise and how he has the credentials to write such a guide, I watched one of his videos last week about 15 minutes after it was posted and it had already gotten over 700 views. Less than a week later (today) its over 2 million.

flash drive issues

Heyy! I know this isn't directly related to class but I don't know what happened to my flash drive but it won't let me save anything else on it or erase whats already on it. It says is is "write-protected" and I tried to re-partition it but that's not working. Ideas?

Screenwriting

I know I may be a little late for this now that our Golden Doorknobs are finished, but I believe that if you want to make movies, you should always be writing and thinking of ideas. A friend of mine showed me a list (the link is in the title) of screenwriting tips that I thought were really helpful. Read it, love it, marry it, cheat on it, divorce it, shake your fist in apoplectic rage at it, me da igual, but they're some things to think about the next time you sit down to write a script.

New project

Has anyone found a good video on the site for our new project im in between a couple but i am having a hard time choosing!

Scream 4

I meant to put this in my post from the other day...BUT Scream 4 comes out on Friday!!!!!! Yes I am a little bit of a horror movie fan, but i'm actually really excited to see this movie, not only because of the success and amazement of the previous films, but because of the script. The script for this movie, is allegedly suppose to take all the cliches of the previous movies, and of horror films in general and completely re-work them. I hope that the movie turns out well, even though i feel i understand how hard it must be to create a feature film. Also in case you haven't seen the trailer for the movie yet, the link to it is in the title.