And I’m more than happen to highlight the best of ’em.
This Week’s Comments
Here are this weeks comments in no particular order.
1. Dbailie36 on Two Types of Filmmakers: Which One Are You?
Well I’ve certainly run into both over the years and I’m sure I’ve been both from one time to another depending on whether or not I think someone has what it takes in the first place to invest the time. But either personality you imagine yourself one thing is always true….. you never stop learning and it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been in the business or what level of success you’ve acquired there is always something new to learn from new situations and even relatively young people.
I slated for two cameras on a particular scene when I was a second with a highly respected, more than qualified director/actor (who had been in the business for over 45 years, won Academys) who was so impressed with how I accomplished fluidly slating two cameras that before he called the scene made mention he had never seen someone slate like that, how impressed he was and how no matter how long your in the business you constantly learn something new. This of course made me feel great and made me feel less like an idiot when two days later when the second camera rolled out towards the end of a scene.
2. FB on Two Types of Filmmakers: Which One Are You?
I’ve never assumed I know everything, actually one of the reasons I love my job is that I get to learn something every day (like today, while prepping at a rental house). Sure, some things are done in the same way today as they were 50 or even more years ago, but it’s beautiful to see a very personal approach which slightly variates from what’s considered “the norm”. Sometimes it’s better, sometimes it just doesn’t work, but nevertheless, it’s always interesting, for instance, to see how different people react to different situations and/or problems.
3. Neil Irwin on How to Carry and Transport the Camera Properly
You forgot one mode for long-ish hauls across sets and locations – that is Ms Maggie aka the magliner. If the magliner has a plate at the end of it – then you could stick it on there having the 2nd AC push whilst the 1st keeps a hand on the camera. For sticks – either find and extra pair of hands on set to carry it or – if there’s room – put it on the magliner. Worked on a feature film where doing this save a lot of time and money – afterall a RED camera (or any camera for that instance) does get quite heavy after a while of lugging it around!
4. Anon. on Why It’s a Good Thing Nobody Notices You
While i totally understand the premise of the post (being the quiet AC), I have to say i am now struggling with this myself. for years i was the very quiet, very ninja, 2nd AC. for years and years i tell you!. then when stepping up to 1st (like the past year) its like, oh, yeah, who are you? the draw back to not being noticed, is, well, not being noticed / thought of on the next job or with new people. People should talk about you (in a GOOD way) not forget about you. its ok if you’re in with a solid team who gives work all year round. otherwise, it sucks.
5. clydeD on The Marks You Need to Pull Focus on Closeups
nice tips! However, life gets just a little easy for focus pullers working on Stereo 3D movies now ;-)
While (extremely) shallow dof is certainly a great story telling tool in stereoscopic 3D movies, you do get a range to work with right off the bat.
Pulling critical focus on just the front of an actors face while his ears are semi focussed is a no no in 3D.
Creating a “Circle of isolation” (selective focus) for closeups in 3D is the way to go.
Thank You for Your Comments
I just want to take a moment to thank those of you who take the time to leave such thoughtful and insightful comments. While I can only select a few each week, I know that myself and others truly appreciate your thoughts on each post.
So thank you and continue to leave great comments!