December 15th, 2009 | Posted in Blog, Post-Production, Production | Comments Off
Anyone who has dabbled in post-production effects knows that green screen work requires everyone in the workflow to be on the same page, from the camera operator to the visual effects artist.
The camera should shoot on a format that can pull a minimum of 4:2:2 color space to get a decent key. Anything lower will degrade the edges of the subject substantially. Other things to keep in mind is shutter speed and ISO.
AXA Media Group monitors the effect in real-time on-location tethered to either a tape-based or tapeless camera. A waveform and parade scopes are used to find inconsistancies in the lighting. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Keeping this adage in mind ensures that the client will avoid extra expenses in post or re-shoots by getting the best footage possible the first time around.
December 9th, 2009 | Posted in Blog, Production | Comments Off
Two months ago, I purchased an app for my iPhone called Hitchcock. Since then, the creators changed its name to Cinemek Storyboard Composer. They realized that most people would not know what the Hitchcock app could do by just calling it, “Hitchcock.” The app utilizes the built in iPhone camera by taking the snapshots of your shooting location and then arranging them in the order that you want them to play out on the screen. You can position a silhouetted icon of a person anywhere in the frame. Re-size it, rotate it, and place as many as you want in a scene. You can type dialogue or say it into the phone and attach a sound file to the frame which enables frames to appear in sequential order with your dialogue and pacing. Then you hit playback and voila, it’s all organized for easy visualization of the final storyboard. We used it on a recent film shoot and it proved to be a very useful and time saving app for our production.
Go see for yourself at Cinemek’s web site.
December 4th, 2009 | Posted in Corporate, Motion Graphics, Portfolio | No Comments
This is one of four 3D animated web modules depicting the delivery of electric power from a generating plant to a home in Queens, NY. In this shot, the comparison is made to our highway system which stems off onto smaller roads and decreased speeds. The use of analogies makes understanding a complex system a more user-friendly and engaging experience.
December 4th, 2009 | Posted in Corporate, Motion Graphics, Portfolio | No Comments
Electric power requires a point of control just as airplanes require an air traffic controller. Con Edison of New York is on the cutting edge of technology which enables them to safely and effectively manage their abundant sources of power. There are multiple contingency plans in effect to safeguard equipment and control centers from terrorism or natural disasters. Also, the redesign has created a more hospitable atmosphere with ergonomics and acoustics in mind. This video is a showcase of the new facilities, time-line of renovations, and the people that made it all happen.
December 4th, 2009 | Posted in Corporate, Motion Graphics, Portfolio | No Comments
Generational diversity in the workplace is something to cherish and respect. Older employees bring experience and wisdom while younger ones bring new ideas and ambition. A graphics package with main titles, chapter titles, lower thirds, statistical graphics and closing titles is used to bridge the generational diversity by mixing pop culture icons within the motion graphic treatment.
December 4th, 2009 | Posted in Corporate, Motion Graphics, Portfolio | No Comments
Con Edison’s monthly video magazine gets a face-lift. An elaborate motion graphics package with grit and texture sets the mood. It uses a subtle blend of 3D animation and composited live images. Everything is tied together by syncing motion graphic movements that simulate camera zooms and pans to music. The animation work won a Platinum Telly for best motion graphics and animation in 2009.
Anyone who has dabbled in post-production effects knows that green screen work requires everyone in the workflow to be on the same page, from the camera operator to the visual effects artist.