Tuesday
05Jan2010

Handy iPhone Apps for Filmmakers - Part 1

Continuing the iPhone love, here are five great iPhone applications for anyone making movies, DSLR or otherwise. More to come soon:

imdb.pngIMDB [Free] A highly useful mobile version of the defacto directory of movie making. You can also check out upcoming showtimes and trailers. And did I mention it's free?

Screen shot 2010-01-05 at 7.11.48 PM.pngiSlate [$2.99] is not a total substitute for a timecode synced smart slate, but it's better than nothing. And it's incredibly cute with actual useful features like built-in shot logging. Perfect for a run and gun DSLR shoot that wants a little more organization while keeping everything simple and pocketable.

scriptwrite.jpg ScriptWrite [$4.99] allows you to create scripts right on your iPhone. Now I wouldn't recommended creating a screenplay from start to finish this way, it can be a nice way to edit a script or jot down a scene idea whenever inspiration strikes.

reeldirector.png Reel Director [$7.99] is a full blown video editor for your iPhone 3GS. Now obviously this requires you to shoot videos with your 3GS and limits your quality but for just goofing around or a quick sketch out of an idea with coverage, this is groundbreaking stuff.

storyboard.pngStoryboard Composer [$19.99] Formerly known as Hitchcock, this is a quick storyboard sketch tool for visualizing shots using your iPhone.

Sunday
03Jan2010

Use your iPhone to control your DSLR

This is an interesting use of the iPhone to act as a sort of remote trigger and monitor for your DSLR. It's not quite as useful for video as it is for still but as more folks are mixing it up between stills and video at once in the studio, it could come in handy. Besides, let's face it, who doesn't like using their iPhone in new and cool ways. Check out DSLR Camera Remote for more info. $19.99 is a bit steep for an iPhone app, so there's also a LITE version

 

 

Thursday
01Oct2009

Canon 5D Mark II Compressor Workflow Video

Jem Schofield is back with a tutorial on automated conversion of your 5D Mark II clips to ProRes for much better editing performance and quality. He also has some good recommendations for tripods to use with your 5D. Check it out at the C47:

http://www.thec47.com/gearbox/5dmkii-compressor-droplets.html

Sunday
27Sep2009

Philip Bloom's excellent 5D Mark II DVD now available!

 

I think Philip Bloom is the man when it comes to the 5D Mark II. He's created an awesome training course that gives you everything you need to know to get the most of this camera. I'm so into it I cut a deal with Philip to sell his disc myself. So if you're interested in knowing more head on over to the Call Box store here:

http://www.callboxlive.com/products/canon-5d-dvd

 

 

 

Monday
21Sep2009

Abel Cine Tech video demonstrates double-system sound with the 5D

 

I'm a big fan of great movie sound, that's what separates the big boys from the home movies. With the 5D Mark II, the best way to get good sound is to record it on another device that's optimized for audio. Jem Schofield teams up with Abel Cine Tech for this tutorial:

Jem put together this video describing how to sync external recorded audio with HD video shot on the Canon 5D Mark II. The 5D Mark II records audio from a built-in mic, but for improved quality Jem uses the Zoom H4N to record audio from a shotgun mic. He then goes over his process for syncing audio tracks quickly and easily with a plugin for Final Cut Pro called PluralEyes

Head on over to Abel Cine Tech for the clip.