CANNES FILM FESTIVAL 2013 IS OPEN!
The Opening Ceremony of the 66th Festival de Cannes took place yesterday in the Grand Théâtre Lumière.
Audrey Tautou
After a song from Steven Spielberg's film The Color Purple performed by
Emeli Sandé, Audrey Tautou welcomed on stage the feature films Jury:
Vidya Balan, Naomi Kawase, Nicole Kidman, Lynne Ramsay, Daniel Auteuil,
Ang Lee, Cristian Mungiu, Christoph Waltz and its President, Steven
Spielberg.
The Festival was declared open by Leonardo DiCaprio and Amitabh Bachchan
and the Ceremony continued with the screening Out of Competition of Baz
Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby, with the key members of the movie crew in
attendance.
See above in our video screen footage of the arrival of the stars, members of the jury, producers and organizers to the Grand Théâtre Lumière. (Courtesy of Electrolux).
Audrey Tautou
“Behind the Candelabra”
Steven Soderbergh won the Palme d’Or with his first film, “sex, lies and videotape” in 1989, and he’s back in the running for his final film, a Liberace story he made for HBO when he couldn’t get a studio to back it.
“The Immigrant”
James Gray has competed at Cannes with “The Yards,” “We Own the Night” and “Two Lovers,” and is back with his historical drama set in New York in the 1920s, with a powerhouse cast that includes Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Renner and Joaquin Phoenix.
“Inside Llewyn Davis”
Joel and Ethan Coen won the Palme d’Or with “Barton Fink” 22 years ago, while “Fargo” and “The Man Who Wasn’t There” also picked up best-director awards at Cannes. They could mine a (typically twisted?) vein of nostalgia with this look at the 1960s Greenwich Village folk scene, with a lead character loosely based on Dave Van Ronk.
“Jimmy P.”
The fifth film from French director Arnaud Desplechin to screen in competition at Cannes, “Jimmy P.” stars Benicio del Toro as a Native American returning from World War II, and Mathieu Amalric as the therapist trying to help him adjust.
“Le Passe”
Iranian director Asghar Farhadi is coming off the Oscar-winning “A Separation,” and making his Cannes debut with a French-language drama starring “A Separation” star Tahar Rahim and “The Artist” leading lady Berenice Bejo.
“Only Lovers Left Alive”
Can a vampire movie win the Palme d’Or? Probably not, but in the hands of Jim Jarmusch (“Stranger Than Paradise,” “Mystery Train” and “Broken Flowers,” all of which won awards at Cannes) and a cast that includes Tilda Swinton and Tom Hiddleston, it can be stylish and unsettling.
“Un Chateau en Italie”
The only female director in the main competition (though four of the nine jurors are women), actress-turned-director Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi has cast herself and her partner Filippo Timi in a dramatic comedy about family troubles.
“Venus in Furs”
Roman Polanski is a lightning rod for controversy, but he’s also one of only three directors in competition (Soderbergh and the Coens being the others) who’s already won the Palme d’Or. Based on the play by David Ives, “Venus in Furs” deals with sexual obsession and sounds as if it could be dark and kinky.
“Le Dernier des Injustes”
Claude Lanzmann is known for a single film, “Shoah,” a monumental work documenting the Holocaust. So it’s big news when the 87-year-old director turns his sights on the topic again, as he does with this chronicle of the Theresienstadt ghetto, created by the Nazis to fool observers and hide their real plans for the Jews.
“The Dance of Reality”
THE COMPETITION JURY 2013:
Steven SPIELBERG Vidya BALAN Naomi KAWASE Nicole KIDMAN Lynne RAMSAY Daniel AUTEUIL Ang LEE Cristian MUNGIU Christoph WALTZ
15 Must-See Movies at Cannes Film Festival as
recommended by Steve Pond@thewrap
“Behind the Candelabra”
Steven Soderbergh won the Palme d’Or with his first film, “sex, lies and videotape” in 1989, and he’s back in the running for his final film, a Liberace story he made for HBO when he couldn’t get a studio to back it.
“The Immigrant”
James Gray has competed at Cannes with “The Yards,” “We Own the Night” and “Two Lovers,” and is back with his historical drama set in New York in the 1920s, with a powerhouse cast that includes Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Renner and Joaquin Phoenix.
“Inside Llewyn Davis”
Joel and Ethan Coen won the Palme d’Or with “Barton Fink” 22 years ago, while “Fargo” and “The Man Who Wasn’t There” also picked up best-director awards at Cannes. They could mine a (typically twisted?) vein of nostalgia with this look at the 1960s Greenwich Village folk scene, with a lead character loosely based on Dave Van Ronk.
“Jimmy P.”
The fifth film from French director Arnaud Desplechin to screen in competition at Cannes, “Jimmy P.” stars Benicio del Toro as a Native American returning from World War II, and Mathieu Amalric as the therapist trying to help him adjust.
“Le Passe”
Iranian director Asghar Farhadi is coming off the Oscar-winning “A Separation,” and making his Cannes debut with a French-language drama starring “A Separation” star Tahar Rahim and “The Artist” leading lady Berenice Bejo.
“Nebraska”
A member of the Cannes jury last year, Alexander Payne returns to a competitive slot for the first time since “About Schmidt” with his black-and-white road movie starring Will Forte and, in a performance already picking up heavy awards buzz, Bruce Dern.
A member of the Cannes jury last year, Alexander Payne returns to a competitive slot for the first time since “About Schmidt” with his black-and-white road movie starring Will Forte and, in a performance already picking up heavy awards buzz, Bruce Dern.
“Only Lovers Left Alive”
Can a vampire movie win the Palme d’Or? Probably not, but in the hands of Jim Jarmusch (“Stranger Than Paradise,” “Mystery Train” and “Broken Flowers,” all of which won awards at Cannes) and a cast that includes Tilda Swinton and Tom Hiddleston, it can be stylish and unsettling.
“Un Chateau en Italie”
The only female director in the main competition (though four of the nine jurors are women), actress-turned-director Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi has cast herself and her partner Filippo Timi in a dramatic comedy about family troubles.
“Tian Zhu Ding”
Director Jia Zhangke uses four different stories to paint a picture of violence in modern China. With the country emerging as a key player in worldwide cinema, is it time for the first Chinese winner at Cannes in 20 years?
Director Jia Zhangke uses four different stories to paint a picture of violence in modern China. With the country emerging as a key player in worldwide cinema, is it time for the first Chinese winner at Cannes in 20 years?
“Venus in Furs”
Roman Polanski is a lightning rod for controversy, but he’s also one of only three directors in competition (Soderbergh and the Coens being the others) who’s already won the Palme d’Or. Based on the play by David Ives, “Venus in Furs” deals with sexual obsession and sounds as if it could be dark and kinky.
“Le Dernier des Injustes”
Claude Lanzmann is known for a single film, “Shoah,” a monumental work documenting the Holocaust. So it’s big news when the 87-year-old director turns his sights on the topic again, as he does with this chronicle of the Theresienstadt ghetto, created by the Nazis to fool observers and hide their real plans for the Jews.
“Fruitvale Station”
This year’s “Beasts of the Southern Wild?” Ryan Coogler’s drama, set in inner-city Oakland, won both the audience and jury awards at Sundance, landed a distribution deal and got a slot in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes.
“Les Salauds”
It was somewhat shocking when the new film from iconic filmmaker Claire Denis landed in Un Certain Regard rather than the main competition – but Jean-Luc Godard was in the same spot in 2010, so UCR is obviously amenable to both legends and newcomers.
“Seduced and Abandoned”
Director James Toback can be intriguing, annoying and challenging in equal measure, and he may well be all three at once with Cannes’ special screening of this film, a documentary about filmmaking, art, money and glamour shot by Toback and Alec Baldwin at last year’s Cannes.
It was somewhat shocking when the new film from iconic filmmaker Claire Denis landed in Un Certain Regard rather than the main competition – but Jean-Luc Godard was in the same spot in 2010, so UCR is obviously amenable to both legends and newcomers.
“Seduced and Abandoned”
Director James Toback can be intriguing, annoying and challenging in equal measure, and he may well be all three at once with Cannes’ special screening of this film, a documentary about filmmaking, art, money and glamour shot by Toback and Alec Baldwin at last year’s Cannes.
“The Dance of Reality”
Though he’s 84, Chilean director Alejandro Jodorowsky is a major presence in the Directors Fortnight sidebar, which will include both “Jodorowsky’s Dune,” Frank Pavich’s documentary about the director’s failed attempt to make a movie from Frank Herbert’s sci-fi epic “Dune,” and this surreal, semi-autobiographical fantasia.
You can follow the eleven days of the event here on FILMCASTLive! and on the official website of the Cannes Film Festival 2013 ( also see our 2012 coverage)
iPHONE ANDROID APPS FOR THE CINEMATOGRAPHER PART 1
About This Resource
Professional software that can help you get a job done a little better or a little faster than before. The list below contains only apps made for and used by film, TV, and digital media professionals are here for you. Search for your iPhone, iPad, Android, Web and Windows apps below. This resource is a courtesy from the folks at FWD:labs.
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NAB SHOW 2013. METAMORPHOSIS
By George Leon
KZ755AEW429R
Metamorphosis, the changing face of media and entertainment was the theme for this year and the NABShow has maintained once more its rank as the world's largest electronic media event covering filmed entertainment and the development, management and delivery of content across all mediums. "the NAB Show serves as the premiere event for content and communications professionals from around the globe," said NAB Executive Vice President Dennis Wharton. "We're thrilled by the continued support from our exhibitors and attendees, and delighted that NAB Show's brand remains a powerful enabling force for technological advancement in media and entertainment."
The registered attendance this year rose to 92,414 with 24,461 international attendees and 1,703 news media attendees from all over the globe covering the daily activities and latest products and services. Here are some of the highlights of NAB Show 2013.
At the North Hall showcasing Digital Asset Management, Storage, IT/Network Infrastructure and Security, 3G B/S, Signal Management, Systems Integration, Cloud Computing, Routers, Master Control, Newsroom Automation, Video/Content Servers, Multicast, Workflow Solutions.
KZ755AEW429R
Metamorphosis, the changing face of media and entertainment was the theme for this year and the NABShow has maintained once more its rank as the world's largest electronic media event covering filmed entertainment and the development, management and delivery of content across all mediums. "the NAB Show serves as the premiere event for content and communications professionals from around the globe," said NAB Executive Vice President Dennis Wharton. "We're thrilled by the continued support from our exhibitors and attendees, and delighted that NAB Show's brand remains a powerful enabling force for technological advancement in media and entertainment."
Alec Shapiro President of Professional Solutions America and Toshihiko Ohnishi Deputy President of Sony’s Professional Services Group in Japan, presented what the Sony brass called “Our vision for the future.” introducing to attendees and journalists 2 concept cameras and a variety of lenses. Toshihiko described the showcase as the embodiment of Sony’s future development.
Sony DSRL 4K concept camera. Courtesy of engadget
One of the cameras is a DSLR that is destined to close the gap between high definition motion pictures and still photography with easiness of a DSLR. Described as “the embodiment of Sony's future development,” the concept camera and complementary lenses were not be previewed on the NAB show floor, and no other details were given, not even what resolution it would capture. Sony emphasized its 4K prowess at the event. “We're not bragging when we say Sony owns 4K just like we did with SD and HD,” said Phil Molyneux, president of Sony Electronics.
Academy Award winner Claudio Miranda, ASC, and DIT Alex Carr will discussed their experiences shooting
Universal Pictures "Oblivion," starring Tom Cruise. They shared insights into their use of the F65 on Oblivion, from which a clip was shown.and digital
workflow and cinematography techniques used to create this major motion
picture. Claudio discussed how he was able to shoot this futuristic
thriller by candlelight, against front-screen projection and in
high-contrast scenes.
An unlikely match, at least for now. Claudio Miranda, ASC and
Tim Smith, PPMD Manager at Canon USA.
The shoot took place in a lot of different locations including in Iceland, where we had mostly overcast skies,” the cinematographer said. “The extra color gamut helped us capture some challenging dynamic range shots.”Alex talked about working with RAW files, multiple deliverables and the challenges of an international production.
The panel discussion Q&A was moderated by Jon Fauer, ASC of Film and Digital Times.
Blackmagic Introduces Two New Cameras
Blackmagic biggest news at the show was the introduction of two new models in their Blackmagic camera family: the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera and the Blackmagic Production Camera 4K. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera will retail for $995 featuring a magnesium alloy chassis, 13 stops of dynamic range, Super 16 sensor size, high quality Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) and lossless compressed Cinema DNG RAW recording, as well as interchangeable optics with an active Micro Four Thirds lens mount, all packed into an incredibly tiny size.
Shipping in July, the Pocket Cinema Camera is a highly compact and portable shooter compatible with MFT lenses from the likes of Olympus, Panasonic, Sigma, and Tamron, as well as pro cinema lenses via an MFT adapter. Other camera’s features include a 3.5-inch LCD, Micro HDMI out, external mic input, and SD card storage. Blackmagic says the camera contains most of the features of the larger Cinema Camera that was announced at last year’s NAB.
The Blackmagic Production Camera retails at $3995 and is a new high resolution 4K digital film camera with an innovative large Super 35 size sensor with professional global shutter, combined with precision EF mount optics and high quality Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) file recording.
Also, Blackmagic Design announced the immediate availability of HyperDeck software update 3.6, a new update to its revolutionary solid state disk (SSD) recorder which adds support for Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) into HyperDeck Shuttle 2, plus new closed caption support for all HyperDeck models. At a retail cost of US$345, the HyperDeck Shuttle 2 with the new ProRes compression feature significantly reduces the size of uncompressed HD video files while preserving full frame 10-bit 4:2:2 quality, allowing customers to record up to six times longer.
With the addition of the new ProRes recording and playback, as well as full closed caption support, the HyperDeck Shuttle 2 provides customers with a small, affordable and battery powered solution that is the perfect field recorder. For direct camera mounting, HyperDeck Shuttle Mounting plate can be added to provide multiple pre drilled 1/4” and 3/8” mounting holes.
Angénieux Introduces its Optimo Anamorphic 56-152mm 2S Series Zoom Lens
Angénieux unveiled the first in its new anamorphic lens series represents an important step in Angénieux’s ongoing industry leadership in designing new optical technologies that enhance technique and creativity for Cinemascope production. The new lightweight Optimo Anamorphic56-152mm 2S (2x squeeze) Zoom Lens lends a film-like, dimensional character to images with lower distortion compared to typical anamorphic lenses.
“As an industry leader in zoom lens technology for film and digital production, we strive to develop optical innovations that enable cinematographers to bring their vision to the screen,” said Dominique Rouchon, Sales and Marketing Director, Thales Angénieux. “Our new Optimo Anamorphic56-152mm 2S Zoom Lens invites freedom of movement into the creative process with superior results, whether used in hand-held mode or on a Steadicam.”
Angénieux Optimo DP 3D ready kit
With 2x squeeze, a fast aperture of T:4 and no ramping or breathing, the Optimo Anamorphic56-152mm 2S Zoom Lens delivers exceptional optical performance not previously achieved with an anamorphic lens. Based on the optical design of the world renowned Optimo 28-76mm (SOC award 2012, Academy of Motion Picture award 2009), the new Optimo Anamorphic56-152mm 2S Zoom Lens features all of the remarkable characteristics shared by the Optimo series, including pristine optics, high precision mechanical zoom system and 320° focus rotation with over 50 focus marks.
The unique optical design combines spherical and cylindrical elements in the same group, giving the 56-152mm lens exceptional sharpness and low distortion for an anamorphic zoom.Furthermore, the flexibility of a 2.7x zoom range is perfect for framing without the need to move the camera forward or backwards. The lens is extremely compact, weighing only 4.8lb or 2.2kg.The Optimo Anamorphic 56-152mm 2S is a PL mount lens with a PV mount available on request.
A New Camera Stabilizer
MoVi is a new camera stabilization gear by Freefly, the maker of camera-drone equipment and stabilizers and since its release MoVi has created a buzz around the internet for the users of DSRL's and other lighter digital video cameras.
MoVi is a new camera stabilization gear by Freefly, the maker of camera-drone equipment and stabilizers and since its release MoVi has created a buzz around the internet for the users of DSRL's and other lighter digital video cameras.
MoVI consists of a gimbal and 3-axis gyroscope that stabilizes the camera. The heart of the gimbal is Freefly’s proprietary high performance IMU and brush-less direct drive system. The gimbal is 100% custom designed in-house by Freefly engineering team.Freefly declares, no compromises were made to accommodate off-the-shelf brushless motors, motor drives or IMUs. Creating the gimbal from scratch has allow Freefly to precisely execute their vision for the next generation of stabilized camera gimbals and it is currently priced at $15,000, with a $7500 option coming in the near future.
VectorMount, A Vehicular Mounting Device
VectorMount for GoPro is a vehicular mounting device for your GoPro designed to dynamically rotate the camera(s) and create a richer, more stunning composition of video. A dynamic, smooth, rotating camera mount that uses the natural motions of the vehicle and airflow to sweep the camera view across a horizontal plane.As the vehicle moves forward in a straight line the camera mount points the camera view forward.
As the vehicle turns, a slide-weight assembly is affected by centrifugal force and causes the camera mount to swing, pointing the camera view into the direction of the turn, just as a driver would look into the direction of a turn. This creates an added dynamic to the video not captured by traditional static mounts.
You can use a single camera, or with the included silver 2X Conversion Kit, use two GoPro cameras and to grab the view behind your vehicle as well as the one in front. Following the action - and leading it too. This is the package highly preferred by drift & track racers to improve technique, study the competition, and capture the moment.
Flightcopter, A Sturdy Flying Drone
Flightcopter, is a company has been developing and manufacturing multi-rotor platform systems since 2007. Practical experience and individual user requirements has been the inspiration for these multi-use camera and video platform systems. All parts being manufactured, tested and assembled in Germany, ensuring the highest level of quality control in the industry. By using light weight carbon and aircraft aluminum materials Flightcopter produces platforms and frames, based on specific user specifications
The Quadrocopter, Hexacopter and Octocopter frames are manufactured with the highest priority on functionality and reliability. We achieve this through rigorous flight t testing by our R&D team. All the frame systems can be easily assembled and disassembled using an unique "Plug-in-System"TM, which allows for easy and secure transportation. Within minutes the motor arms can be inserted, automatically aligned and secured. The "Plug-in-System"TM for the cantilever framework was invented and first used in 2009. It has been continuously improved upon upon for all practical and specif c flight situations.
The center plates are the centerpiece for various frame assembly options. The Hexacenterplates allow for the construction of a Y-Copter, Quadrocopter or Hexacopter. When using Octocenterplates a Quadro-, Hexa-, Octocopter can be assembled. During ordering you can choose a center plate, which will be securely mounted with either six or eight cantilever brackets. The motor mounts and the center plates are made of 2 mm carbon ber reinforced plastic (CFRP) . The controller cables are routed inside a 25 mm diameter carbon boom. For a safe and controlled flight, Flightcopter recommends Hacker and Kontronik engines.
The Atomos Ninja 2
The Atomos Ninja 2 is a 10-bit HDMI video recorder that uses 2.5" removable drives for capture. The Ninja-2 is a portable, intuitive touchscreen-operated HD recorder, monitor and playback device for professional media producers. It captures pristine 10-bit 4:2:2 video and audio direct from any HDMI source: DSLRs, decks, switchers, PC, Mac, iPad and iPhone. The Ninja-2 consumes very little power, ensuring long recording times (up to 16.5 hours on a 750GB disk) and the efficient use of batteries.
Capture content in real-time directly from the camera sensor and encode it to Apple ProRes or Avid DNxHD formats, eliminating the lossy, time consuming capture-to-edit process. Bypass the image-degrading compression of in-camera flash storage and use limitless and cheap storage on removable 2.5 inch hard disks.
Capture content in real-time directly from the camera sensor and encode it to Apple ProRes or Avid DNxHD formats, eliminating the lossy, time consuming capture-to-edit process. Bypass the image-degrading compression of in-camera flash storage and use limitless and cheap storage on removable 2.5 inch hard disks.
The Atom OS operating system driving the Ninja-2 allows access to all functions through a fast and responsive touch-screen interface. SmartMonitor helps you accurately assess focus and exposure with focus peaking, adjustable zebra, false color twin mode, blue-only exposure check and adjustments for individual filters. SmartLog allows you to get started on post-production in the field by logging and pre-editing your footage on the fly. The Ninja-2 is built from aircraft-grade aluminium. It’s light and can be mounted almost anywhere. All accessories come in a rugged case: batteries, chargers, disk caddies and a PC/Mac docking station.
Continuous Power allows you to unplug the depleted battery and replace it with a fully charged one without interrupting recording. The Ninja-2 comes with an AC power adapter and two Lithium Ion camera batteries, which offer up to 10 hours battery life for continuous power on location and on the road. Most camcorders with an HDMI output will work with the Ninja-2 (and the original Ninja). DSLRs are a little different however, as it is only comparatively recently that they have output what we call a ‘clean’ HDMI video signal, without the viewfinder information embedded in it. The good news is that more and more DSLRs coming on to the market have this feature.
(photos©georgeleon/filmcastlive 2013. All rights reserved) Continuous Power allows you to unplug the depleted battery and replace it with a fully charged one without interrupting recording. The Ninja-2 comes with an AC power adapter and two Lithium Ion camera batteries, which offer up to 10 hours battery life for continuous power on location and on the road. Most camcorders with an HDMI output will work with the Ninja-2 (and the original Ninja). DSLRs are a little different however, as it is only comparatively recently that they have output what we call a ‘clean’ HDMI video signal, without the viewfinder information embedded in it. The good news is that more and more DSLRs coming on to the market have this feature.
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