7D and Greenscreen

I've been finding some positive results with the 7D and keying. It seems the way it's codec will smooth together common areas of color or chroma can make for a pretty easy key to pull. Here's a quick shot though where the 7D can really burn you. Its not so much in the greenscreen where I'm having an issue, its in the blocking in the pants. That's an ugly mess. This would have been a problem whether on greenscreen or not and points to the DSLR's codec needing more detail rather than less. It looks like I ran the cartoon filter over it in After Effects. Something to consider when you're shooting.

Red update

We're heading into the last leg for finishing up the Red video. There is still a lot to do but it's exciting to see the buzz the video is getting. It's been a blast turning this thing around in post, grueling but a blast. I've been tackling this project as a challenge with the tight deadline with the level of effects we're delivering. Two other guys have stepped on to help me out and have been huge in pushing this project along. Those would be Shawn Dorsey and Kelly (Kat) Myers. We've had a great, tight little crew that has helped out in so many ways along the way and when this is all over, I'll be sure to give props to each one.

But since I'm in post world right now, I just wanted to give a quick rundown of the tools that have been being put to work on this thing. Its a bit of throwing the kitchen sink at it since people aren't an option. I will say these tools work together so well though, I've had very few hangups so far and none of which has been major.

Editing - Premiere Pro with Cineform
Online/offline and assembly - After Effects
Lightwave 3D & messiahStudio
Eyeon Fusion
PFHoe for 3d tracking
ZBrush
3D Coat
E-On Vue
Skype has been great for collaboration as we're all over the place

Look forward to hopefully a lot of breakdowns and info on how this whole project flowed start to finish with a small budget and 7 weeks start to finish after we wrap up and deliver.

Shooting Red on Red

I'm pretty excited about this one. We're gearing up to shoot a new music vid for Red and their remake of Duran Duran's Ordinary World. This is a band I've followed for a long time and it's going to be a pretty aggressive shoot. It'll be about 100% greenscreen and I'm looking to turn out some pretty heavy effects. Stay tuned!

The Mark Bradford Experience

We recently had the pleasure of shooting the contemporary artist out of South Central LA, Mark Bradford with Resource. We shot footage that will be going onto a web site based around his upcoming exhibition that will be traveling but gets first showing at The Wexner Center at Ohio State University.

He's considered one of the top contemporary American artists today and did not disappoint. I typically meet most artists with a bit of skepticism with how much of today's art is more based around what kind of critical interest can be gained by using shock or mystery - sort of like film festivals - but that's another topic.

Mark Bradford is an absolutely stunning man, intelligent and someone whose work you need to gain his insight and eye first before being able to fully grasp. It was an energizing experience. I'm very glad to have been a part of it. Thanks to Jill Brandt and Al Laus for joining me in helping out!