Tutorials

Handy iPhone Apps for Filmmakers - Part 1

Noah — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 01:32:50 +0000

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

IMDB [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?

iSlate [$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 [$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.

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

Use your iPhone to control your DSLR

Noah — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 06:22:41 +0000

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.

Canon 5D Mark II Compressor Workflow Video

Noah — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:58:11 +0000

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

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

Noah — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 18:29:13 +0000

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

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

Noah — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 01:12:41 +0000

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.

EOS 5D Mark II vs. Green Screen

Noah — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 01:00:21 +0000

My friend Jem Schofield tries out the 5D Mark II with a green screen to determine if it's suitable for visual effects work over at theC47. For the verdict, watch this video:

Magic Lantern Firmware for Canon 5D Mark II

Noah — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 02:51:37 +0000

The Canon EOS 5D Mark II has tons of potential for would-be movie makers. Unfortunately because it's a still camera first and a video camera second, many of its features are less than ideal for DSLR Cinematography. Most of these drawbacks have to do with the camera defaulting to automatic modes, making professional cinematography more challenging. The (free, donation requested) Magic Lantern firmware changes all that with the following fixes:

On-screen audio meters
Manual gain control with no AGC
Zebra stripes (video peaking)
Custom Cropmarks for 16:9, 2.35:1, 4:3 and any other format
Control of focus and bracketing

Keep in mind this could and probably will void your warranty so proceed at your own risk. For more information visit: http://magiclantern.wikia.com/wiki/Magic_Lantern_Firmware_Wiki

Introducing DSLR Cinematography

Noah — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:28:21 +0000

Steve, Jens and Scott of Zacuto USA walk you through how to use your DSLR camera for digital cinematography. See what equipment you need to get great tripod and handheld shots using the new Canon 5D Mark II and Nikon D90 for HD video cinematography. Learn how to handle audio using a DSLR with boom and wireless mics; see these new 35mm depth of field cameras that are going to revolutionize the independent filmmaking industry everyone is talking about. Click here for details.

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