"When you want to set any fixture high of the ground, you should have a sure footing.The three points of contact or legs of your C-stand or grip assembly must be spread accordingly to hold the weight safely at all times”, said Mike Rogers to a crowd of motion picture professionals at the Car Rigging & Grip Equipment Techniques Seminar, Wednesday night in Burbank, California.
Demonstrating a wall spreader with a piece of lumber
to hang clamps, fixtures and other light control devices
Rigging a trapeze requires attention to
detail and knot making ability
The proper way to set a diffuser or gel frame into a large hot fixture
Mike Rogers is a seasoned veteran of the motion picture industry and is currently the Lighting/Grip General Manager of Birns & Sawyer, the premiere rental and sales firm of motion picture equipment located in Hollywood. Birns and Sawyer, Inc. has been an industry standard for quality and dependability for the last fifty years and continues to assist the needs of filmmakers and progress with new technology.
No better said and demonstrated that with this hands-on seminar covering every detail regarding the selection of the right grip tool for your next job. Jesse Hurtado and John Ploucher, both employees of the company, assisted the evening seminar. Marty Meyer, Head of Marketing, introduced the Seminar and invited the attendees to savor a variety of appetizers, wine and drinks.
Mike started the seminar chronicling the origins and utilization of clamps, mounting equipment and lighting and grip stands for different uses. The clamps were separated in three groups: Clamps fitted to use on a speed rail or a hanging pipe and clamps fitted to hang from/to a piece of lumber, light poles, cables, branches or other unexpected mounting surface and car mounted grip equipment.
Also, safety in handling C-stands, Hi rollers and Low rollers were explained at detail including storage, spread, and correct tightening of the different sizes of grip heads.
Emphasizing safety when hanging fixtures. Always use a safety chain or safety cord after setting the fixture into place.
Some items on display at hand were, Cardellini clamps, Speed rail C-clamps, Bar, Studded, Scissor, Quaker, T-bones, Trapeze, Furniture clamps, Mafer clamps, Chain vise grip, Putty knife, the Tree branch holder, the Wall spreader with a piece of lumber, Pigeons, the Condor mount, Locking pliers, among others. Also, on display were Century stands, High rollers, Low rollers, Risers, gobo arms, grip heads (gags/double gags), the ubiquitous Lollipop, spuds, plugs, flags, fingers, scrims, butterfly frames and others.
Between descriptions, Mike revealed past experiences and well kept secrets of the trade when combining all these tools for a shoot, delivering the correct piece of grip equipment and solving a possible lighting control problem. “Get to know the location or situation, stay alert and troubleshoot safely any possible problem” “ Per instance, if on location and your DP requests a wall wash with a PAR fixture, you could use a pigeon plate instead an unsightly light stand. Screw the pigeon plate into a ½” plywood board and securely sandbag it into place and hide it out of sight in the bushes or hedges" “Grip rigging is all about versatility”, he added.
Stabilizing a boom arm in a C stand in
irregular terrain using an apple box.
The instruction given on the technique was comprehensive and put into action immediately showing to the attendees the correct mounting and positioning of the rigs and other tricks-of-the trade.
Birns & Sawyer maintains a continuous schedule of different outstanding one-evening seminars. I attended several months ago, the seminar “Lighting for Motion Picture” and I was happily surprised by the knowledge and experience displayed by the presenters in tackling any lighting situation on location or studio. Other recent past seminar were, “HMI Lighting” and “Audio for Emerging Filmmakers” Next one to come is “Lighting and Techniques for Green/Blue Screen”. For more information, check Birns & Sawyer websiteor call 818.766.2525
The last portion of the seminar included a detailed demonstration in how to rig a speed bar hood mount and a side door mount in a car, followed by different moving and stationary techniques and safety tips.
Explaining the correct way to adjust the speed
bar mount into a car hood
Side door car mount
Suction/pump cup head plate with a
300 watts fixture
Speed bar assembly for car hood mounting
The head plate slides to accommodate
camera position The four way leveling
head allows easy camera positioning
and framing
Articulated grip assembly with pump cups
for rigging lighting control devices
The American Society of Cinematographers is a non-profit association dedicated to advancing the art of filmmaking. Since its charter in 1919, the ASC has been committed to educating aspiring filmmakers and others about the art and craft of cinematography; it accomplishes this by publishing the internationally renowned magazine American Cinematographer and the venerable American Cinematographer Manual, through seminars at schools and industry events, and via one-on-one mentoring. ASC members volunteer their time for such activities.
SOCIETY OF CAMERA OPERATORS
The principal purpose of the SOC is to recognize and nurture excellence in the field of camera operation and, secondarily, in the allied camera crafts, and to encourage development of both technology and production methods which will help our members achieve that excellence
INTERNATIONAL CINEMATOGRAPHERS GUILD
The International Cinematographers Guild represents the most talented camera professionals in the world. The technicians and artisans in our union are the creators of the visual images on the big screen, the television screen and - as we move into the 21st century - our computer screen. That's why we're so excited about offering this site to our members, everyone in our industry and to people everywhere who want to know more about what we do. International Cinematographers Guild members - Directors of Photography, Camera Operators and Assistants, Computer Graphics Specialists, Visual Effects Supervisors, Still Photographers and more - are part of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.
THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF CINEMATOGRAPHY
The British Society of Cinematographers is an educational, social and professional organisation. Since its formation in 1949 its prime objective has been to promote and encourage the highest standards in the art and craft of cinematography. Our membership, which is by invitation only, comprises of some of the most talented Directors of Photography and Camera Operators in the United Kingdom. It also encompasses many distinguished friends and patrons from the film and television industry.
BSC
BSC Film and Digital Image Evaluation
BSC FILM AND DIGITAL IMAGE EVALUATION VIDEO 2009
Lower volume on main window.
Available in ON-DEMAND playlist above.
VILMOS ZSIGMOND,ASC. THE BLACK DAhLIA
American Cinematographer Magazine sponsored a Q&A with Academy Award-winning cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond, ASC and LaserPacific Senior Colorist Mike Sowa to discuss their collaboration on the Brian DePalma feature The Black Dahlia. Shown above is clip# 2 of 7. Video stream courtesy of HD EXPO.
SUMMER CHILDREN @ SLAMDANCE 2011
Summer Children
A Special Screening At Slamdance 2011 last Monday 24.
An early work from the American New Wave movement, Summer Children is a time capsule of the culture of the ‘60s.
A view into the duality of human perception as the sunlight of day obscures the drama illuminated in the shadows of night. West (Stuart Anderson), a handsome young man born to a wealthy yet absent family, falls in love with the ethereal Diana (Valora Noland).
Their innocence was forever lost as the Summer Children became tangled in seduction, deception and betrayal resulting in tragedy.
A 1965 American New Wave Black and White film - ensemble cast/coming of age romantic drama set against backdrop of Catalina Island. Visually intoxicating, photographed in a 1960s European-style by Academy Award® winning cinematographer, Vilmos Zsigmond, ASC and fully restored from the negatives and optical tracks in 2010.
CINEMATOGRAPHY NEWS!!
ASC TECHNOLOGY COMMITEE. The commitee presents a guide to maintain your vision in a fillm/digital workflow. Click above to view the presentation. Curtis Clark, ASC. Remember to click back the top left arrow to get back to FILMCAST Live!
4K+ SYSTEMS-THEORY BASICS FOR MOTION PICTURE IMAGING
A must read for the serious cinematographer. pdf download.
KODAK CINEMATOGRAPHER'S FIELD GUIDE (pdf)
This pocket-sized publication provides up-to-date and easy-to- use information about all KODAK Motion Picture Camera Films and several related subjects. We designed the book to help you choose and order the right films for your needs and to help you use the films most effectively. The guide is divided into five major sections for easy reference: * Motion Picture Camera Films * Filter Information * Tips and Techniques * Formats and Packaging * Ordering Raw Stock
TRICKS OF THE TRADE FROM THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CINEMATOGRAPHERS
Roger Deakins, BSC, ASC
'Gag' lights form an ever increasing part of the package which follows me from film to film. At least one new variation is added on each production and The Big Lebowski was no exception.
Imagine a scene between three characters in a large darkened room where one character sits in a wheelchair facing the only source of light--a small fire in an equally small fireplace. All the coverage of this character would include the fire.
For a sense of naturalism, I needed to hide my own lighting units within a very small space to one side or another of the real fire, depending on the camera position. I needed a physically flat light source which would also project its light into the room. Even a Tota light was too big and unwieldy.
My new gags (I made three of these) consist of six double end 2K bulbs mounted on an 8" x 14" piece of aluminum--simply blonde bulbs and holders which together with the cabling have a depth of less than 2".
The units were hidden next to the real fire, flush against the side of the chimney. Each pair of bulbs were patched through a flicker generator and dimmed down to about 50 volts to simulate the correct color of firelight.
The new gags will stay on the truck from now on--ready for the next small fireplace. But I am sure they could well be brought out to solve some other, very different, problem.
These filters are intended for use whenever significant changes in the color temperature of the illumination are required (for example, daylight to artificial light). The filter may be positioned between the light source and other elements of the system or over the camera lens. *These values are approximate. Check critical work accurately, especially ifyou use more than one filter.
WRATTEN FILTER Filter Exposure Increase Conversion Color Number In Stops in Degrees K 80A 2 3200 to 5500 Blue 80B 1 2/3 3400 to 5500 80C 1 3800 to 5500 80D 1/3 4200 to 5500 85C 1/3 5500 to 3800 85 2/3 5500 to 3400 85N3 1 2/3 5500 to 3400 Amber 85N6 2 2/3 5500 to 3400 85N9 3 2/3 5500 to 3400 85B 2/3 5500 to 3200 85BN3 1 2/3 5500 to 3200 85BN6 2 2/3 5500 to 3200
SHOOTONLINE provides a full range of creative and production news about the ever-changing landscape of advertising and TV spot production making.
Clint Eastwood to be Honored by Society of Camera Operators Lifetime Achievement Awards.
The premier Governors Award for Lifetime Achievement is to be presented to Clint Eastwood.
The recipient of the Lifetime Achievement as Camera Operator is Paul Babin, SOC. Beginning his credited work as a camera operator in 1987 Babin has operated on motion picture projects from blockbuster box office hits to hit television shows. Babin is known for Terminator 2: Judgement Day, Magnolia and The Soloist.
The recipient of the Lifetime Achievement as Camera Technician is Zoran Veselic. Beginning in 1979 Veselic has been the A Camera Technician of many major blockbuster feature films. Veselic is known for Moneyball, The Muppets, Men in Black, Spider-Man and Up in the Air.
The recipient of the Lifetime Achievement as Mobile Camera Platform Operator is Dolly Grip Harry Rez. Starting with credited work in 1973 Rez has a resume filled with feature films and television programs that have been major successes. Rez is known for Doogie Howser, M.D., Providence and Nashville.
The recipient of the Lifetime Achievement as Motion Picture Stills Photographer is Andrew E. Cooper, SMPSP. Starting with credited work in 1984 Cooper has built a portfolio of some of the industry's most iconic images. Cooper is known for The Departed, Braveheart and War Horse.
The SOC will be presenting a Lifetime Achievement Award for Distinguished Service to the Motion Picture Industry to Sol Negrin, ASC. Negrin has been a long time leader of the IATSE Local 600, a film school professor, Director of Photography and great supporter of the work of the SOC. He is known for his work on Kojak, The Patty Duke Show and Coming to America.
The award for “Historical Shot" will be presented to George Richmond for his work on the hand held shot titled The Siege of Bexhill in “Children of Men."
The finalist nominees in the Camera Operator of the Year contest are:
Feature Film
P. Scott Sakamoto, SOC—"The Descendants"
Stephen Campanelli, SOC—"J. Edgar"
Mitch Dubin, SOC—"War Horse"
Will Arnot, SOC—"The Help"
Peter Rosenfeld, SOC—"Cowboys and Aliens"
Television
Simon Jayes, SOC—"True Blood"
Andrew Mitchell, SOC—"Glee"
Gregory P. Collier, SOC—"Bones"
Chris Tufty, SOC—"The Closer"
Greyson Austin, SOC—"Memphis Beat
The SOC 2012 Technical Achievement Awards are being presented to:
1. “Thales Angenieux" for the “Optimo family of hand-held zoom lenses: 15-40, 28-76, 45-120."
2. The Grip Trix Tracker XL Electric Camera Motorized Camera Platform by Local 80 Key Grip Herb Ault.
The Society of Camera Operators began in 1979 as the Society of Operating Cameramen (SOC)—an organization dedicated to the advancement of the art and creative contributions of the Camera Operator in the Motion Picture and Television Industries.
Our member-based Lifetime Achievement Award nominations highlight the careers of the best in the industry. These artists of the camera crew receive a golden CAMMY as a token of our admiration.
Technical Achievement Awards are presented to the corporate community for their contributions to the advancement of equipment and techniques vital to the work of Camera Operators. The Awards Ceremony will be held on February 19th, 2012.
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