June Meeting Recap
Streaming Video
Photos
On Wednesday, June 25, roughly 50 attendees met at Qualcomm's Q-Auditorium for a discussion on streaming video. Chad Reese, New Media Producer at Wells Publishing, Inc. was the evening's host. Reese started the evening with speaker introductions and a little levity.
Josh Carlson, VP of Technology at Wells Publishing, Inc. began the formal presentations by covering different strategies for moving video over the Internet. Carlson described the differences between live streaming, progressive download and pseudo-streaming, and provided examples and benefits of each video strategy.
Following Carlson, Philip Hodgetts of Burbank, CA presented a "state of the industry" report on streaming media. Hodgetts, a visionary and commentator on industry trends in post production and emerging digital distribution technologies, covered a lot of ground in his talk, discussing best-practice encoding techniques and different ways to monetize video content. He concluded his discussion with an explanation of Open Television Network, a system for monetizing video content for independent video producers and viewers. Be sure to catch more of Philip Hodgetts at ProTrack 2008 in Anaheim. He is scheduled to do a session on HD Post Production.
As a streaming media proof-of-concept, the event was streamed live from Qualcomm's Q-Auditorium. Using an Internet streaming system designed by Josh Carlson, cameramen Bill Bork, Chad Reese and Luke Jungers fed images to Tory Chainel of Video Gear, who worked the Datavideo SE-800 Digital Video Switcher [link: http://www.datavideo.us/se-800.html]. A Firewire cable from the DataVideo switcher was attached to a PC laptop with a Sprint AirCard and Flash Media Encoder 2.5. The encoded video stream was pushed to the Influxis Flash Media Interactive Server 3 and distributed to Internet viewers.
Special thanks to Martin Banks, Jeff Merrill and Tory Chainel of Video Gear for the setup, technical support and use of the Datavideo SE-800 Digital Video Switcher . Video Gear also provided one of the video cameras, a projector and the audio system for the evening's presentations.
Another special thanks goes out to Wells Publishing, Inc. for providing a delicious meal catered by Organic to Go.
Below is a recording of the raw stream of the evening, beginning 12 minutes before the meeting started. For best viewing, let the clip load long enough that you can click in the time bar at the bottom to the part you want to see:
00:00 SD MCA-I President Mark Schulze opens the meeting
11:00 SD MCA-I Treasurer Chad Reese begins the program
20:00 Josh Carlson from Wells Publishing
41:00 Philip Hodgetts of Open Television Network
May Meeting ReCap:
Getting the Best from your “Talent”
(Non-Professional and Professional)
Photos
Around 40 people converged on PromoVision Studios on Wednesday June 28th, 2008 for to talk talent. The social hour was hosted by Bill Ludwig of PromoVision who opened his facility and provided food and beverages. During the business portion of the meeting, Bill had a chance to talk about the PromoVision Studio and Office concept. PromoVision Studios is a full service production facility, offering a complete news set, as well as a green screen area. They have two full lighting rigs, a boom jib, lavaliere mics, up to five cameras, teleprompters and a production switcher. For the meeting, they provided lights, camera, mics, a huge plasma screen, DVD playback and assistance for the presentation. They also offer office space for producers and editors. The North San Diego County location makes it convenient for both San Diego and Orange County digital media pros. Visit them online or call Bill to schedule a visit.
President Elect Jeff Gelder ran the business portion of the meeting - asking the group to introduce themselves to each other and acknowledging the local board members who were in attendance. Door Prizes were provided by MCA-I and Bobbin Beam. Video Gear Rentals provided the PA. Board members Bill Manning, Luke Jungers, Bill Bork and Jim Staylor helped with set up and tear down. Jim Staylor videotaped the entire meeting and we are looking at posting at least some of the highlights online.
Connie Terwilliger, coordinator of the professional development portion of the meeting, introduced three time-tested directors who were on hand to present some of their tried and true lessons learned for the inevitable interview the CEO, the COO, the General Manager - THE BIG BOSS - who 1) hates to be on camera, 2) has no time to be on camera, and/or 3) worries about every word they say. Each had valuable input on how to get them to relax and tell the story they want to tell in the shortest time possible.
First up - Richard Crawford - One Productions (the longest running production company in San Diego)
Richard started out with some audience participation - demonstrating some tips on how to get a crowd of extras to create background noise - you don't just ask them to talk - you give them something specific - and easy to say. One half of the group said “peas and carrots” and the rest said “crowd noise.” If you need background sound, this works!
While much of the meeting focused on interview techniques, Richard gave two members of the audience a couple of “lines” each and showed how to use physicalization to improve their dialogue. Stamping their feet - pounding a fist into the other hand - poking the other person in the chest. All help break down the fears of the non-professional - the result - more believable delivery of the lines.
A few more pointers from Richard:
- Chit chat to put them at ease
- Use appropriate humor
- When working with kids - be on the ball with the camera
- And don't ask kids abstract questions. For example…don't ask them how they feel about something - get them involved.
Craig Bentley and John Coleman came up together and interviewed each other using one of PromoVision's studio cameras. The interviewee was projected on a large plasma screen.
John began by illustrating BAD interview techniques - Craig doesn't like to be in front of the camera to begin with and even though he knew what was coming, the first few minutes really made him uncomfortable! Thankfully - after making the point - John slipped into his usual friendly helpful interviewing style, much to Craig's relief.
Both Craig and John provided handouts that are online for downloading:
- Craig's Meeting Notes
- Shooting Great Interviews I: Preparing Your Subject
- Shooting Great Interviews II: Make it a Story
After each director had a chance to go over their top tips, the remaining time was used for a panel discussion and audience Q&A moderated by Connie.
Additional Resources provided by members and others in attendance:
- Jim Staylor - How to Conduct Excellent On-camera Interviews.
- Jim Teiper - Thoughts from a Lighting Director
Craig Bentley - Imageworks
Craig Bentley received a film and television degree from San Diego State University, where he was chosen by the American Cinema Editors as one of the top three student editors in the nation. Craig started directing videos for a national home center chain in the early 80s. When that home center chain went out of business, he foolishly thought it would be easier to start his own production company than finding a real job, and has clung to that pipedream ever since founding Imageworks in 1986.
Directorial assignments have included commercials, training programs and marketing videos for companies such as American Express, Coca-Cola and Sharp HealthCare. He has directed more than 50 training videos for the state police commission, all of which feature many interviews and dramatic scenarios using both professional and non-professional actors. Because of the Freedom of Information Act, however, if he showed any of them to you he'd have to kill you. Industry recognition includes Telly, Aurora and Communicator awards. Craig is on MCA-I San Diego's board of directors and served as chapter president for 5 years.
John Coleman - Twin Oaks Communications
John is a Producer-Director-Writer with an extensive creative and management background in TV, video and other media as well as connections to the best production people all over the US. He started his career in NYC as an NBC page on the Today Show with Barbara Walters & Hugh Downs-a great place to observe masterful interviewers. He went on to direct and produce everything from news and public affairs to comedy, sports and documentaries. John has been a freelance producer-director-writer and a member of the Directors Guild of America (DGA) for over 20 years. During that time he has interviewed hundreds and hundreds of non-professionals for either corporate productions or broadcast.
Mr. Coleman also has worked with many professional performers including voice-over artists, comedians and dramatic actors. He has been a program exec at four TV stations, Warner Communications and taught various media courses as an adjunct professor at The School of Visual Arts (NYC). Saddleback College (OC) and Santa Ana College (OC).
John works through his production company, Twin Oaks Communications, based in Mission Viejo CA. He is past president of MCA-I Orange County/LA Chapter.
Richard Crawford - One Productions
Richard began his career producing film reports for NASA and the Air Force for the space program. He then went on to do national TV commercials for Ford and Eastman Kodak, Arco, and others. In addition to his corporate and commercial work Richard produced and directed, the award winning Captain Milkshake, the first dramatic full length motion picture to deal with the controversial issues around the Vietnam War. Captain was recently, screened as a special guest presentation at the Viennale, Rotterdam, and Leeds International Film Festivals.
Richard continued his career doing broadcast segments for programs such as That's Incredible. His work with interactive multimedia training for such companies as Apple Computer, IBM, Ford and Nissan won Richard several Cindy Gold awards for excellence in the media. His 8 years of pioneering in interactive multimedia for training and education has earned his work a place at the Smithsonian Institute as an example of this medium. In 1987 Richard was the first American director to produce a joint Soviet-American documentary, Americans and Glasnost.
Crawford's national clients include; IBM, Ford, Nissan, Apple, Kodak, NCR, Ernst & Young, among others. Richard's awards include four area Emmy Awards, 4 Gold Cindy Awards for multimedia, 4 Tellies, San Diego Film Festival Prize and the New York Art Director's Award. Recently the Piano Wizard Infomercial won the highest award, the Silver Telly, in the infomercial category. Richard and his wife Sally serve as directors of their Humanitarian Collective, an international foundation with programs for disaster relief and social change. Richard is currently the Director for Development for the OITC Global Education Network.
Traditionally our NAB Wrap Up is one of the best attended meetings of the year and 2008 was no exception. Held at 30th Street Garage, a beautiful 3200 sq ft industrial-looking photography and videography studio run by Jeff Lancaster, the meeting was standing room only. With tasty food, fun door prizes and reports from NAB by those who attended, the mood was electric!
First up, our own Luke Jungers presented two videos he produced capturing the flavor of NAB, along with short demos direct from the show floor. He then answered questions about his experiences at NAB, and answered questions about products showcased in his videos. Mostly people wanted to know "How much does that cost?"
After some good-natured back and forth, Tom James from Panasonic gave a presentation on their new offerings including updates to the popular HVX200, a P2 version of the VariCam, and lots of other drool-worthy gear. Tom also spent some time introducing and explaining Panasonic's AVC-Intra CODEC which achieves DVCPRO-HD quality at half the bit-rate.
Sony's Val Reynolds was next up on the agenda. Val's presentation focused on choice. He presented the XDCAM EX line of products that record on SxS PRO™ memory cards and have interchangeable lenses. He also showed updates to Sony's popular lineup of XDCAM-based cameras, new tape-based HDV gear, and the "if-you-have-to-ask-you-can't-afford-it" F35 CineAlta Camera. Ooh's and Aah's all around!
Unfortunately Steve Milley from JVC had a nasty case of the flu and was not able to join us, but even without his presentation the attendees got a lot of great information and everyone had a good time.
We would also like to give a big "thank you" Brent Altomare from Groovy Like A Movie for the great food and projector, Martin Banks from Video Gear for the sound system, all who contributed cool door prizes, and especially Brendan Wood from Empire State Filter Company for his donation of more than a few video and audio hum filters for the third year in a row!
Also, a late “thank you” to Michael Stewart of Broadcast Rentals for his donation of a $50 gift card door prize at a previous meeting!
Tools That Add Movement To Your Productions
Our March meeting was held at the studios of Ferrari Productions and was hosted by Phil Ferrari (of Ferrari Productions) and Martin Banks of Video Gear. The Ferrari Productions stage was filled with various tools used to keep the camera moving. Demos of car mounts, dollies, jib arms, Steadicams were available to a full house of SDMCA-I attendees. Martin Banks used his Datavideo switcher to connect to a projector so the attendees could watch the various camera moves and demonstration videos.
Brad Olander presented a demo of his customized Steadicam rig and demonstrated how the Steadicam allows a camera to move in a three dimensional space and can follow the action through a building, up and down stairs, through doorways, and from one environment to the another. Brad pointed out the freedom that the Steadicam brings to a production, allowing a director to try alternate shots and expand creativity without putting the production behind schedule. Brad demonstrated with Connie Terwilliger how the Steadicam can follow the talent and create a truly unique POV.
Darrin Burnworth explained how a jib can add real production value to your production. Darrin demonstrated smooth moves up, over and around using the Jimmy Jib. Darrin's Jimmy Jib can be configured for shots that requite a reach from 6 feet to as long as 40 feet in length and 45 feet in height. Darrin showed us how to use the jib to make your camera fly, jump or run to create the look that puts your production over the top.
Jerry Johnson founder and CEO of Microdolly presented a glimpse of his Microdolly Workshop that is held on a regular basis in Burbank. Jerry shared some unique ways to accomplish incredibly smooth camera moves using a dolly on a track without bringing a huge grip truck along. Microdolly is known for it's highly portable dolly and track system that adds the possibility of dolly shots to locations that otherwise would never have been practical.
After the presentations, attendees were given an opportunity to have a hands-on session with these production tools, and an opportunity understand a bit better how these tools give a new way to add movement to your productions.
Door prizes donated by Video Gear, Microdolly and Ferrari Productions were raffled off.
|
February 2008 Meeting
Audio In The Field
Photos
Our February meeting was held at “Groovy Like A Movie”, now located in the former “Four Square Productions” building. Brent Altomare has really made it a nice place, and was a great host, providing Sushi, veggie trays, drinks, and other good eats. After eating our fill, we were treated to a presentation on the sound stage with Don Hale, Frank Forth, and Jim Alburger, three well respected names in the field of audio production.
After introductions, each presenter talked about different experiences they have had, problems they encountered, and some of their favorite things, like mics, and how to place them. Frank Forth gave us a tip on how to use a “Dr Scholl’s Bunion Doughnut” as a clever way to place a lav mic behind a shirt or sweater. Don Hale talked about the importance of keeping audio consistent between shots. Jim Alburger gave us some technical pointers on common phase problems and how to prevent them (helped out by Frank and Don).
At times, some of the information got a little technical, but Frank, Don, and Jim did a good job of explaining and making things understandable for everyone. We then opened the floor to questions, allowing everyone to get involved. Of course, the questions could have gone on all night! We then Gave away our raffle “grand Prizes”, a digital video noise filter and an audio noise filter, donated by Brendon Wood at Empire State Filter Company! Afterwards, we finished up with a tour of the facility, and then it was over…….until next time!
Attorney David Branfman spoke at the January meeting about legal issues in the digital age for media producers. The one-hour talk touched on several topics related to: copyrights–yours and other’s; brand names, registering ownership of domain names and trademarks; as well as contracts and agreements. David’s one-hour talk covered the basics of these issues and how they relate to producers and content creators in the digital age. Those in attendance were able to ask questions and get some general advice and guidance without paying the customary retainer fee. A big bonus was the 26 page handout of sample Contracts, Terms and Conditions, Independent Contractor Contract, Payment Policy Statement, and a Production Agreement. All worth more than the price of admission, which is FREE to members, by the way, and certainly a real bargain at $10.00 for non-members.
Also free to those lucky enough to win a door prize were Kata bags from Video Gear and an Applebee’s gift card and a ball cap from Broadcast Rentals.
Planning Survey a Success!
The first annual SD MCA-I Planning Survey was a big success, collecting more input on meetings than we ever did in a planning meeting, while also not using up valuable meeting time with mundane planning tasks! The SD MCA-I board has already had one meeting to discuss the results, with another meeting scheduled for next month. Two of the top vote-getters were Camera Motion and NAB Wrap-Up, so those topics are slated for our next two meetings!
Thanks to all who participated in the survey. In a blind drawing, the $100.00 Gift Certificate for rental equipment from Video Gear was won by Frank Mitchell and the two sets of Movie tickets were won by Michael Stewart and Craig Bentley. Congratulations to the winners!
|
