XDCAM EX1 on the road blog

[philip bloom]

new entry on my blog that shows ex1 rolling shutter skew, but also how nice the footage can look handheld running around a lot!

[whachusay]

Great stuff Philip. Just got finished watching it. Lovely colors.

[LuckyStudio 13]

Keep em coming Phil !! always enjoy your work. Rated 5 star for your this thread too.

[Stevet]

BTW Phil,
I've taken three of you compressed video into Sony Vegas 8b and made a blu-ray compatible disc right from the timeline. It's unreal man!

I thought since the files were compressed so much, they would not transcode for blu-ray very well..... I was wrong. It's looks good. The "protestants 720p.mp4" was only 40MB. The low light bedroom shot does not look as good due to the low compression.

I bet it would be excellent if it came rom the original mxf files.
Have you tried this?

[philip bloom]

That's very cool. I can't author blu-ray on my mac just yet, hurry up Apple! But I have played then on an HD media player on 47" LCD and love it!

By the way, am coming to Arizona in March to film, will it be nice and warm!?

[Stevet]

March is awesome in Arizona. Usually around mid to high 70s (F).

I wonder what's taking Apple so long for Blu-ray support?

[philip bloom]

Wish i knew. they need to rewrite idvd and dvd studio pro. Have had a blu ray drive in my mac pro for almost a year!

[Steve Shovlar]

Phil, I have just made a blu-ray dvd on my mac with encore cs3. It does full menues etc. Only problem is my blu-ray is on my PC so I have to network over the image file and burn it with Nero.

Results are perfect.

[philip bloom]

Hi Steve

Is encore a native mac app? I have a built in blu ray drive on my mac pro so that would be very cool

[Steve Shovlar]

Yes it is Phil. Its part of the Adobe Master Collection. Very easy to use and powerful. If you know your way around DVDSP you can go at it and be comfortable with its workings in an hour or so.

http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere/encore/

[ffaf07]

Philip, while your adapter work is a beaut, I think you should do a lot more adapter free work. Even if it's just for fun, a lot of potential buyers may be shooting adapter free, and it's interesting to compare the looks.

Plus the adapter free look of the EX1 is a bit of a beaut too. I would love to see more footage like this.

[philip bloom]

sure but I shoot for me, or for commerical work. hence I shoot to make it look the best. You can see some adaptor free work under Religion and on my blog recently.

[philip bloom]

I did some food porn on the ex1 last week. Mostly shot 1080p with some 720p overcrank stuff.

You can see some of the shots cut together for the hell of it (the clients have given me permission to post this, the actual footage is being edited, graphically played with then stuck on hd plasmas in movie theatres).

but best of all, i am posting for the first time UNGRADED!!! some of it is underexposed and it pains me to do it, but what the hell!. Also look under the rolling shutter section for the finished lithuania news item. mostly shot letus free and handheld.

All on my blog!

[Alan Bradley]

btw i love the kgb handheld montage. great look, especially the nurse in the flourescent lighting. nice one.

[philip bloom]

oh dear. got another ex1. a rather good client of mine has part paid me with one he didn't need!

[socbret]

Ha! Way to go Philip!

[booth]

I did some food porn on the ex1 last week. Mostly shot 1080p with some 720p overcrank stuff.

If I were you I'd remove the word porn from the URL. I'm trying to access at work and it's blocked :laugh:

[philip bloom]

that's bonkers. it's a very common phrase in the UK. Food shot to look good is called food porn!

[emotepix]

Yeah.
Over here it might go: "just checking in, old son, what's your game, then? porno with turnips, is it? the FDA will be wanting a word with you"

[booth]

Yeah.
Over here it might go: "just checking in, old son, what's your game, then? porno with turnips, is it? the FDA will be wanting a word with you"

Turnip porn, my favourite.

[philip bloom]

now have 3 different shoulder mounts. All of varying prices. Results very interesting. Will do a blog entry soon

[booth]

Have you tried the H Preston shoulder mount? At the moment you get one free with the EX1.

[BobDiaz]

that's bonkers. it's a very common phrase in the UK. Food shot to look good is called food porn!

After a while I guessed that, but I did get an image of a bunch of overweight dirty old men watching a video of young skinny people eating all sorts of food; "Oh my, she's going for the Chocolate Cake with Ice Cream!!!" (Starts to breath heavily...)

:laugh:

Sorry Phil, I have a twisted mind...


Bob Diaz

[philip bloom]

My shoulder mount test is online on my blog


Oh and don't forget to listen to my interview with Larry Jordan for Digitalproductionbuzz.com here: http://www.digitalproductionbuzz.com/LiveThisWeek/

it says 6pm, am assuming that is a USA time of some sort!

[philip bloom]

I did a ww1 drama shoot using 2 ex1s yesterday for Blackbox Media based out in Wales.

Some was shot with Letus Extreme, some without. Here are some screen grabs.

Doing an edit together of some footage today

[philip bloom]

here are some behind the scenes photos taken by Mark Dawson, a great guy who contacted me on the forum and came along to help out.

[Stevet]

Thanks Philip.
Those grabs look great, looking forward to seeing the footage.

[wartez]

looks awesome!

[Essami]

Really nice colors and really crisp/sharp look. These are graded already right?

Sami

[philip bloom]

yes but not the final grade!

[Alvise Tedesco]

Peter Jackson would be proud of this..
btw: How easy for you to match EX with and w/o Letus?
Maybe you have a set of color matched Zeiss. I always have to have some (hard) time to match my Nikons. 105 beeing a little magenta, 28 yellowish. The 50 beeing ok, but then again far from my DVX alone.
Cheers

[mcgeedigital]

Nice stuff as always Phil. I like the Zacuto shoulder mount with the lunchbox...I've been thinking about going that route myself.

[philip bloom]

yeah the colour correcting is quite a task.

[Kholi]

Look at that Letus + Phil Rig go!!! Woo those stills and grabs look NICE!

[Jared Meyer]

Wow...these grabs look fantastic Philip. Dying to see footage!

[StMad]

They're all nice, but I really like the silhouetted shot, third from the bottom. Stock or LEX? And how wide?

[philip bloom]

edit almost done. had some sound issues...silhouette is stock lens with .8x wide angle adaptor on

[philip bloom]

The edit is up on my blog. It's just a fun edit. NOT the finished short film, that is being cut by the director and will be about 7 minutes long. This is just a 2 minute fun tease!

[Stevet]

Philip, very well done.
You are a very talented man.

Hey, could you give us the low down on your settings,
frame rate, shutter speeds? I see you did some faster shutter rates for that
stoccata look.

[J.R. Hudson]

Wow Phillip

Wonderful footage. Could have been a feature film comeing soon teaser.

Looks impressive and amazing !

[philip bloom]

cheers. The handheld fast shutter was 1/250. The overcrank was 60fps at 720p. The rest was 1080p 25p. Shutter set to off on the letus extreme. I did notice when I got back a couple of specks of dirt on the glass of the extreme. Shame, but you can only just notice it.

The sound wasn't great. I wish it had sounded fuller. Craig who is doing the proper edit will spend some time and money bringing it up to spec!

[Steve Shovlar]

I thought they were risking it with saving money on the sound. False economy using the camera as a sound recorder. If they have a sound guy they should have just spent a little more and recorded it seperately.

Great footage though Phil.

[philip bloom]

nothing to do with using the camera as a sound recorder. Would have made zero difference recording it separately. The Ex1 sound is DAT quality. It's more to do with the sound recordist not covering the wide shots very well. I would have used personals lavalier mics for those shots but he boomed everything just using a 416 on a standard pole, an 816 on an extra long pole would have done the trick, also there was the issue of the A14 and of course our limited time for retakes.

Considering everything am pretty happy with results. If I had more time today (am editing some viral commercials shot on two ex1s, got 7 spots to finish by tonight, am on number two!) I would tweak and fiddle. Find some nice SFX, play around with the colours more. They still look a bit video on the clean shots compared to the LEX

[Steve Shovlar]

He should have lav'd up the main guys. Some Countryman B6's would have been invisible to the eye and done a great job.

416 is fine for most of the work looking at the pics, and an 816 is a good mic for further distances. Hope he spent some time just recording ambient sound as he can use that to be analysed and remove the unwanted background noise. There's a very unwanted drone there.

[philip bloom]

agreed!

[philip bloom]

better version now up with nicer sound and a couple of changed shots.

[robfilms]

phillip-

sorry but link is not working for the new ww1 version. love the production shots. as always, thanks for sharing

be well

rob

[philip bloom]

i uploaded a new one an hour ago. when did you check?
the 720p link was dead. fixed now.

[philip bloom]

slightly tweaked version now up. Available in letus section as well as blog

[Alan Bradley]

720 version is very nice. thanks again. loved the ending.

[philip bloom]

still not happy! think i will tweak it again. am supposed to be doing proper editing work!

[DeeZiD]

You've done a great job!


regards Dennis

[Alan Bradley]

quick question philip (or anyone else for that matter). have you had a chance to try the ex1 on a steadicam of any sorts? i noticed that you did alot of run 'n' gun for the newest war short and also the cool, trippy german thing (german shepards, nurses, flourescent lighting). while the follow shots really do work well naturally, i was just wondering if maybe you've attempted a merlin or even the 4000 glidecam?

[philip bloom]

i have a merlin but not tried it yet. i really should. About to upload a better version of the trench. much more like a trailer with better structure. I must stop fiddling with it!! Am not even editing the finished short just this trailer!

Whilst in the states will still be on email through my blackberry so please feel free to contact me. This shoot will be my biggest test of the ex1, shooting mostly at night for about 10 nights!! Sometimes with Letus, mostly without. Mostly handheld too!

[philip bloom]

is anyone interested in a 1080p version?

[StMad]

Nice work Phil. Your use of that Gorecki piece sent shivers down my spine. Shots were nice though the clipped highlights pulled me out of the moment once or twice. So did the physical acting - those guys lacked a little conviction in their movements. Maybe that was due to the long pointy things at the end of their rifles :)

[philip bloom]

cheers, we had immense budget and time restrictions. We had one shot at the explosions so no retakes and most of the actors were amateur enthusiasts. But I am pleased with what we got. I tried to make it look as filmic as possible. Which I think i achieved.

[philip bloom]

1080p version online on the trench page and blog

[philip bloom]

I am hearing that a firmware update will be out potentially within a week. Although the only feature I have had confirmed is support for 32gb cards.
It will be done by connecting the camera to the computer via USB, the downloaded firmware will include a utility that will detect the ex1 is connected and update like that.

[basspig]

Finally, Sony is going to let us pion users update our own firmware? This is good news. Would appreciate a post of the link when it comes out. Thanks!

(Just came back from rehearsal with the symphony and am running on vapors. Have to offload 11GB of audio from laptop and 8GB off the EX1, plus 13GB off the V1U. Tomorrow is concert date. Have lots to do between now and then!)

[Stevet]

I am hearing that a firmware update will be out potentially within a week. Although the only feature I have had confirmed is support for 32gb cards.
It will be done by connecting the camera to the computer via USB, the downloaded firmware will include a utility that will detect the ex1 is connected and update like that.

That's great news. Hopefully they will have a few other surprises for us!

[kubalsky]

Phil,
I see your heading off to the U.S. Im curious to know how you fly with two Ex1, both as carry on luggage? Ship them ahead? Also, what kind of case do you usually carry them in? Im looking around at the moment and thinking either the Kata Backpack 205 or the Petrol Camporter 16:9.
I thought you'd be the guy to ask seeing as you travel so much with these cameras.
Awesome work btw. Your blog has made it to the top of my bookmarks. Thankyou.

[DeeZiD]

Fixed Backfocus and better autofocus would be nice.


regards Dennis

[thefilmaddict]

The Trench looks very cool! Nice work. Very film like. I love the high shutter stuff, too. The slow motion is nice. The costumes and explosions are great. You could have used some blood, but that has nothing to do with your images. I also love the music.

[Ian Smith]

Phil,
I see your heading off to the U.S. Im curious to know how you fly with two Ex1, both as carry on luggage? Ship them ahead? Also, what kind of case do you usually carry them in? Im looking around at the moment and thinking either the Kata Backpack 205 or the Petrol Camporter 16:9.
I thought you'd be the guy to ask seeing as you travel so much with these cameras.
Awesome work btw. Your blog has made it to the top of my bookmarks. Thankyou.

Can't speak for Phil but I had a nightmare at Gatwick this morning trying to take EX1 in same bag as Phil has (Portabrace) on as hand luggage. They have a 6kg limit and they aren't going to let you go over it. In the end I transferred everything (including ultraportable laptop I'd wanted to use on flight) except the stripped down EX1 to my suitcase - yup including all the li-on batteries, explained it couldn't possibly much over 6Kg and there was no way I could put a 4 grand camera in a soft bag into the hold and they said "Well try it, but if security stop you it's your problem". Of course security didn't stop me, but I'm dreading the check-in for the return flight now.

Ian
(in Vegas)

[philip bloom]

that's terrible Ian. But Gatwick is worse than Heathrow. You can take two bags at Heathrow but still only one at Gatwick which is insane. I had a Portabrace bag with one EX1 in it (the other one stayed at home, the producer here in LA has his own which I am using) all my batteries, about 6 of them. 12 SxS cards, 2 big IDX batteries, Zacuto rails, and other bits. In the other bag was my 17" Macbook pro and hard drive with power suppy.

So was it check in Ian that gave you grief? I had that at Gatwick 3 weeks ago when I went to Lithuania. Never had them weigh my hand luggage before!

I would dread putting my camera in the hold. So many times stuff has been delayed. Far too risky. That' not even taking into account how careless baggage handlers can be with luggage!

[philip bloom]

The Trench looks very cool! Nice work. Very film like. I love the high shutter stuff, too. The slow motion is nice. The costumes and explosions are great. You could have used some blood, but that has nothing to do with your images. I also love the music.

We weren't allowed to put blood on the costumes, it would have meant buying them. The hire company were VERY strict. But thanks so much for comments!

[Ian Smith]

that's terrible Ian. But Gatwick is worse than Heathrow. You can take two bags at Heathrow but still only one at Gatwick which is insane. I had a Portabrace bag with one EX1 in it (the other one stayed at home, the producer here in LA has his own which I am using) all my batteries, about 6 of them. 12 SxS cards, 2 big IDX batteries, Zacuto rails, and other bits. In the other bag was my 17" Macbook pro and hard drive with power suppy.

So was it check in Ian that gave you grief? I had that at Gatwick 3 weeks ago when I went to Lithuania. Never had them weigh my hand luggage before!

I would dread putting my camera in the hold. So many times stuff has been delayed. Far too risky. That' not even taking into account how careless baggage handlers can be with luggage!

Yup it was check-in. They were weighing everyone's hand luggage. This is Virgin Airways. Ended up with two laptops going into the hold (video editing laptop and an ultraportable). Put a padlock on the case and it arrived the other end without the padlock :-O Luckily nothing seemed to have been taken.

[philip bloom]

laptops in the hold? what a nightmare! Glad they survived

[philip bloom]

We are shooting a feature doco in many global locations and for 3 nights next weekend we will be in Las Vegas.

If anyone is available to help us out that would be great! We are a low budget small team consisting of me the DP, a Director, a Producer and a Sound Recordist. We could do with an assistant. Someone keen to learn and hang out with a bunch of very laid back people.

We are in LA at the moment and we may need someone here too, but the producer thinks he has found someone.

We are shooting on two EX1s, one of them with a Letus Extreme 35mm adaptor.

Ideally you need to be local as all we can offer is the food expenses and the experience, but if you are interested drop me an email @ philip.bloom@mac.com

Thanks!

[kubalsky]

I watched "Collateral" last night with Michaels Manns commentary on which cameras he used and why , etc. Man, Its a great time to be into digital filmaking! Although he shot about 80% with the Viper, some shots were done with the Sony F900. I wonder how close the Ex can get to that collateral look. If you have time Phil, Jump in a cab while in L.A. Would love to see the footage.

[philip bloom]

New EX1 Letus Short shot in New Mexico done, the first of two. Am currently building its page, but it is now viewable on my blog

[philip bloom]

My second short from New Mexico is now online on my website. Info about it can be read on my blog. it's called the tramway

[thefilmaddict]

Tramway is very cool.

I like the rack focus/pan shots. Did you have an assistant or are you racking and panning at the same time alone?

The shots on the lift are super steady. It kind of looks like you had a steadycam device. Nice!

Also, Did you open the iris in the middle of the first lift shot or did you do that in post?

The grading of course is interesting. You really like to experiment and I respect that. What camera setting do you use? Are you just getting clean footage in the field so that you can fully tweak it later in post?

Great music (kind of had a Signs feel). What is it?

The ending shots are perfect (can't go wrong with sunset and city lights at night). Lot's of detail in low light. The atmosphere must have been very clean. Try that in LA.

You seem to continue t grow as a cameraman and editor. You must be enjoying yourself.

[philip bloom]

had a ball doing that. I was just me operating, never have as assistant. I opened to iris myself, I was little slow to be honest in doing it.

The music is actually Signs, well spotted!

I did get some nice shots of the city in LA, but nowhere near as high as these ones!

[Tweekme]

Philip,

Your 720p link on the Tramway page is incorrect. It is the one for Tentrock. FYI :)

I did find it, trolley720.mp4

Beautiful footage, as always! The silhouette of the smoker with the setting sun looked outstanding.


Thanks, Scott K.

[philip bloom]

Which page Scott. Just checked it and it seems fine. will check again

[Tweekme]

the page:
http://www.philipbloom.co.uk/Philip_Bloom/The_Tramway.html

The link that says:

http://www.philipbloom.co.uk/Philip_Bloom/The_Tramway_files/shapeimage_2_rollover_0.png


Scott.

[basspig]

Loved that Tram video! A few years back, it took a million dollars and a Panavision camera to get footage like that. That is gorgeous sunset footage. Makes me want to come all the way out west to capture some of that myself!

[Noel Evans]

Philip, I just watched tramway. Some very nice visuals and some nice grading choices.

Last year I worked with a production company from Alberquerque NM ( http://www.halflifedigital.com/ ) on a documentary here in Japan and incidently probably the most fun guys I worked with last year. You can find me listed in their pressroom with some info on it - anyway beside the point, when they were here they were trying to explain to me NM terrain - and I can finally understand what they were talking about. Some stunning sights.

[philip bloom]

Thanks Noel.

[Alan Bradley]

tramway is very nice.

[philip bloom]

cheers!

[Alan Bradley]

on a side note. hey phil, what settings do you export out of fcp 2 to into vimeo. i too have an ex1 and am having trouble getting a video of mine to upload properly. should i export using "quicktime conversion", then set to h.264 1280x720 w/ aac audio? how exactly do you export and wrap your clips from FCP to vimeo? gracias amigo.

[philip bloom]

the same as I use for my website. I export the movie using current settings then open in quicktime and export .mp4 h.264 1280x720 3500kps

[philip bloom]

Am looking for an assistant to help me out on a short film drama shoot this Sunday in Folkestone in Kent.

I am shooting on the Sony EX1 using the Letus Extreme. If anyone is interested let me know ASAP.

Thanks

Phil

[GAZPACHO]

Philip, your material is so great!!

I am new in the forum. I am a spanish director/producer with more than 100 awards with my films. I am writing my feature now. :)

I love your stuff!

But why you never make big movements? Is a bad camera for that because of the rolling shuter problem?

You get that cinematography because of the letus or you think you could get next to that, just using the lens of the camera.

I will buy the camera today or tomorrow, and I would like to buy as well a letus extreme package for shooting shortfilms. I have been in the letus page and it´s a mess for me. I don't understand too much all the equiqment. Could you help me and make a list with all the things you recommend to me to buy? I mean, the letus and that lens or that another lens or adaptors, etc.

I would like to have at least a good fish eye, a angular and a good tele, you know.

Thank you, very much. :)

[philip bloom]

The latest entry on my blog concerns my first ever proper drama shoot. A short film, about a powerful subject. I am very proud of it and really enjoyed shooting it.

Quite fancy doing more narrative work now!

[matthew77]

Seems like a pretty intense story about a cable car.

[philip bloom]

you must have checked in the 5 seconds it was up before i amended the file. check again

[basilisk]

cool to have worked with Robert Duncan - at least to those of us who remember Drop the Dead Donkey
still downloading the film...

Have watched it now, and it looks like it will be a compelling piece. Robert Duncan in particular pulls the stops out. Very nicely shot. As a film, it was a bit wordy to start with (not a lot happening visually, and you wondered why they were standing in a derelict station), but as it developed the performances drew you in, and you forgot those concerns. I don't know if it was the structure of the film, or if the actors warmed up as they got into their roles. If I was editing, I think I would see if I tighten up the first half - obviously this is a rough cut, so this is merely my humble suggestion rather than a criticism.

All things considered, a great debut Mr Cameraman!

[philip bloom]

he was great. i of course loved that show having worked at sky news for 17 years!

[basilisk]

he was great. i of course loved that show having worked at sky news for 17 years!

Sky news? I must say DTDD is out of date; how can you parody this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5hcm-CZkKQ&feature=related

[philip bloom]

of course. remember it well! she was sacked a couple of months later. nice girl though

[philip bloom]

check out my blog on Sunday evening, my first one from Las Vegas. There should be something really worth checking out...I promise!!

[robbz]

If its a replacement for the EX-1 I will vomit :)

[Tweekme]

Philip,

Any hints?? New Sony or Panni camera?

Thanks, Scott K.

[philip bloom]

well we all know what it is by now...anyway my ex1 is far from obsolete.

Whilst in Las Vegas I filmed 4 shorts. Las Vegas, Red Rock, Grand Canyon and my favourite Death Valley. The first three were shot on the new letus ultimate prototype. Death Valley on the Extreme.

http://www.philipbloom.co.uk/Philip_Bloom/Deer_Vegas.html

a semi sequel to Piccadilly Furs

More info and photos on my blog if interested.

I will get the others edited soon, but hopefully you worry mongerers out there will realise the EX1 is still a fab camera!

to see it in 720p register at exposureroom or vimeo and download it from there. it is still compressed obviously but better

[stevec]

Philip- just uploaded additional pictures of you and 2 brief reviews of the Letus Ultimate and the making of your short "Deer Vegas".
@
http://web.mac.com/stevecahill/Steve...Blog/Blog.html (http://web.mac.com/stevecahill/Steve_Cahills_Blog/Blog/Blog.html)

[philip bloom]

cheers steve. My second short with the ultimate is up on my site too now.

[philip bloom]

am off to Japan shortly for about 2-3 weeks to make a documentary on the environment. I hope to post some clips, photos etc. Shooting on two ex1s. Bringing the Letus Ultimate and as backup the Letus Extreme. Talking of the extreme i just finished editing my last short shot on it. Have a look...http://www.philipbloom.co.uk/Philip_Bloom/Death_Valley.html

see the Extreme can still look nice.

[robbz]

Hey mate, while youre in the vicinity you should come south a little further for a few days r&r in Sydney... :)

[ROne]

am off to Japan shortly for about 2-3 weeks to make a documentary on the environment. I hope to post some clips, photos etc. Shooting on two ex1s. Bringing the Letus Ultimate and as backup the Letus Extreme. Talking of the extreme i just finished editing my last short shot on it. Have a look...http://www.philipbloom.co.uk/Philip_Bloom/Death_Valley.html

see the Extreme can still look nice.


We got some great footage around Tokyo last year, got some decent night stuff also. Just not a whole lot of room though! (at least in the city)

[mcgeedigital]

Nice footage, I have that same motorized mount. If you put a digital still camera on it for the timelapse, you';; get some HUGE files that you can then stich together in After Effects...it makes for some nice high quality movies.

[ddh]

Yesterday, I hung around with Phil Bloom and Alex Kubalsky. Both of these guys are excellent to be around. I was greatly impressed with the EX1 and Letus Ultimate combination. The motorized mount had some problems with the camera weight, a subject Phil will cover on his blog,so, I'll leave it to him.

[philip bloom]

Yesterday, I hung around with Phil Bloom and Alex Kubalsky. Both of these guys are excellent to be around. I was greatly impressed with the EX1 and Letus Ultimate combination. The motorized mount had some problems with the camera weight, a subject Phil will cover on his blog,so, I'll leave it to him.

We solved the problem Dean. It was the horizontal tension was not tight which it needs to be, as soon as we did that it was flawless, in fact we did do a 360 degree timelapse at the end of the night!

[philip bloom]

Hey mate, while youre in the vicinity you should come south a little further for a few days r&r in Sydney... :)

ok, can you buy me a ticket please I am leaving tomorrow!

[ddh]

We solved the problem Dean. It was the horizontal tension was not tight which it needs to be, as soon as we did that it was flawless, in fact we did do a 360 degree timelapse at the end of the night!

It was good to hang with you and Alex! Good news on the mount. See you soon!

[philip bloom]

You too Sir.

I almost stayed for the whole trip, the presenter begged me to stay on, then they did a day's filming yesterday and the other cameraman was ordered around by the Japanese guy, shoot that, don't shoot there etc and it was decided that actually there was no point in me staying at all as there really is no chance of a film being made after all! Not just that but it turns out he is shooting on an EX1 too but in 1080 50i !!!

Anyway I am staying one more night to get some more temple shots/ suburbia shots to add to my cityscape shots, also I bought that Ricoh GR2 stills camera with wide angle adaptor. Wow, stunning quality in such a small camera!! These three shots are hugely scaled down from 10 megapixel RAW images.

[ddh]

Good buy on the Ricoh GR2! Kuddo's to Peter Bellars for bringing it around for Phil to look at. I've got the Ricoh GR1 and have been very impressed with the results on that little stills camera!
check out my flickr site for examples of what this little camera can do!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29216263@N00/

[philip bloom]

done a short using the extreme and ultimate and clean

http://www.philipbloom.co.uk/Philip_Bloom/Alone_in_Tokyo.html

they cut pretty well together! There are photos on my blog with more info about the shoot.

Off to the South Bank tomorrow for shooting WITH permission. Cool.

[gmoe]

Outstanding as always Phil. Love the panned/time lapse sequences near the temple. Was that shot using the Ultimate?

I also thought this was one of your more moving pieces for me with the shot of the people in the city in juxtaposition with the homeless was quite moving. Nicely done.

Hope to also upgrade to the Ultimate soon!

Gmoe

[philip bloom]

Outstanding as always Phil. Love the panned/time lapse sequences near the temple. Was that shot using the Ultimate?

I also thought this was one of your more moving pieces for me with the shot of the people in the city in juxtaposition with the homeless was quite moving. Nicely done.

Hope to also upgrade to the Ultimate soon!

Gmoe

Cheers Greg. The three 180 timelapses that dissolve into each other were shot on Alex Kubalsky's EX1 clean whilst i was shooting on the Extreme with my lens bag as a makeshift saddle! We were experiencing problems with the Extreme on the motorized mount that we solved later on, which just hadn't tightened a bolt which had to be tight especially with all the extra weight.

here is the direct blog link http://web.mac.com/philip.bloom/Blooms_Blog/Blooms_Blog/Entries/2008/5/4_Alone_in_Tokyo.html

[socbret]

Incredible stuff there Philip, never better.

Nice use of Air's "Alone in Kyoto", it doesn't get any better than "Lost in Translation". These images are without a doubt on par with Lance Acord's.

The motorized mount footage looks great too.

[philip bloom]

Incredible stuff there Philip, never better.

Nice use of Air's "Alone in Kyoto", it doesn't get any better than "Lost in Translation". These images are without a doubt on par with Lance Acord's.

The motorized mount footage looks great too.

that's an enormous compliment!

[k2director]

Nice work, Philip! I also loved the time-lapse shots, and particularly how the three simultaneous shots worked with the music.
I'm thinking of getting an EX1, but may also lean towards a camera without variable frame rates. If I did go without variable frame-rates, do you know if those time-lapse effects could be done through post?

[philip bloom]

possibly, not as well though. its not variable frame rates am using for timelapse I use interval recording with slow shutter, its the slow shutter that gives it that look

[philip bloom]

my ex1 has gone off to Sony in Paris to be fixed.

The LCD just died, it was intermittent for a few hours then packed in, anyone else come across this?

Whilst there it is getting most of the body replaced as the paint has come off, which i am assured is now fixed, also the handle has become loose, the screw doing nothing to tighten it.

Hope it comes back soon! At least I have my original one which also needs to go in for the paint, got a nice new Letus Ultimate Prototype Mark 2 to try out on it this weekend!

[davidcheok]

Hmm.. well.. i hope Sony is not going to bill you for it and I hope it doesnt happen to anyone else's EX1 either. Let us know what happens.

[alexdias]

I hope you get your camera back soon.
I've been researching for a substitute of my HVX200 package for documentary work, so the EX-1 is one of the main contenders. Your work and generosity in sharing have been a great resource.

I'm also trying to figure out the difference in codec and so forth.
Thanks, by the way, for your response on the good behavior of the EX-1 for handheld run and gun stuff.

One thing that really bothers me with the EX-1, I discovered throughout my research an amazing amount of complaints of how poorly this camera is build.
The paint issue although a purely esthetic one is very annoying. But the list is long.

After 2 years of daily hard work with my HVX I've sold this camera and the person that bought commented on how good it looked. It was in great shape.

Anyhow, good luck with your repair.

[basspig]

The EX1 does seem to have a higher-than-usual number of service issues. Even so, it's a great camera for the price, and will certainly push the industry standards by a large leap.

[alexdias]

Agreed.
Hopefully it will also push Sony itself to delivery a more accordingly 'finished' product for the price.

[k2director]

possibly, not as well though. its not variable frame rates am using for timelapse I use interval recording with slow shutter, its the slow shutter that gives it that look

Ah, thanks much Philip, that clears things up!

[spa_edwards]

I thoroughly enjoyed that Tokyo short. I love the way you can catch people in the moment without being intrusive. How do you do this? from a far distance, or do you set up the camera and 'pretend' to be doing other things?

[philip bloom]

bit of both, sometimes am cheekiy mostly longish lens.

There is a new short up called "love from southend..." you can see it on my website and on my blog here: http://web.mac.com/philip.bloom/Blooms_Blog/Blooms_Blog/Entries/2008/5/17_Letus_Ultimate_Protype_MK2_%26_Southend_Film.ht ml

Made using the new Ultimate prototype and it also talks about my failed attempt to do a dolly timelapse...that is the next challenge!

[davidcheok]

bit of both, sometimes am cheekiy mostly longish lens.

There is a new short up called "love from southend..." you can see it on my website and on my blog here: http://web.mac.com/philip.bloom/Blooms_Blog/Blooms_Blog/Entries/2008/5/17_Letus_Ultimate_Protype_MK2_%26_Southend_Film.ht ml

Made using the new Ultimate prototype and it also talks about my failed attempt to do a dolly timelapse...that is the next challenge!

Saw some nice ones done on Survivor.. must take lots of patience or a motorised dolly :)

[philip bloom]

interview with me about the ex1 and letus ultimate here

http://web.mac.com/philip.bloom/Blooms_Blog/Blooms_Blog/Entries/2008/5/23_Interview_with_me_about_the_EX1_and_Letus_Ultim ate.html

[jcoxshooter]

you couldn't afford the media hvx200. I don't see much difference in price of the media. Maybe I am wrong Isn't the media for the ex-1 around 400 bucks. U sure you dont work for Sony?

[matthew77]

U sure you dont work for Sony?

Should be "Are you sure you don't work for Sony?"

[philip bloom]

you couldn't afford the media hvx200. I don't see much difference in price of the media. Maybe I am wrong Isn't the media for the ex-1 around 400 bucks. U sure you dont work for Sony?

Very heavy sigh...

You sure you know what you are talking about? I am sick and tired of stupid comments like that. I thought they had stopped.

When I had my HVX 200 I paid £1000 for each of my 2 8gb cards. I could shoot 16 whole minutes of 1080p so yes I could not afford the media to make it a practical camera for me. When I bought my EX1 I could get 16gb cards for £400 which could record an hour of 1080p. So I could afford to buy enough cards to make it a usable camera for me.

Yes I work for Sony and Mi5 and the CIA and Mossad.

[Tomas Riuka]

funny, don't take that deep to your heart, Philip :)
instead come to Lithuania, let's have some beer :)

[ESTEBEVERDE]

Very heavy sigh...

...

Yes I work for Sony and Mi5 and the CIA and Mossad.

Cool!

Can you get me a discount on Sony's new super duper highpowered Hidef cam/rocket launcher? :grin:


No worries Philip.

Just ignore the haters and keep on doing what you do man! :thumbsup:

[philip bloom]

Cool!

Can you get me a discount on Sony's new super duper highpowered Hidef cam/rocket launcher? :grin:


No worries Philip.

Just ignore the haters and keep on doing what you do man! :thumbsup:

I can get you a new EX1000, combo machine gun/ XDCAM camcorder. Shoots 24 frames/ rounds a second

[Alvise Tedesco]

Hi Philip. I think you gave somewhere your impressions on your gitzo (gitzo?) legs, but I don't remember exactly your thoughts. Not talking about the head, I have 2 good ones for different setup. Sometimes I just would really need lighter sticks, but I fear that I would miss quickness and practicability of, say, my Vinten 3 sections (not cf, aluminum). Do you see big difference?
Cheers.
Alvise

[philip bloom]

never heard of those legs Alvise. Sorry.

For my ex1 i love my miller solo legs with ds20 head. But I sometime use my vinten vision 11 head with fibretec legs. More stable and quicker to use

[matthew77]

Hi Philip. I think you gave somewhere your impressions on your gitzo (gitzo?) legs, but I don't remember exactly your thoughts. Not talking about the head, I have 2 good ones for different setup. Sometimes I just would really need lighter sticks, but I fear that I would miss quickness and practicability of, say, my Vinten 3 sections (not cf, aluminum). Do you see big difference?
Cheers.
Alvise

The Miller Solos are just slightly heavier than comparable Gitzos and I think the feel much beefier, especially the leg locks.

I use Miller Solo legs (with 100mm bowl) and the Cartoni Focus head.

[Alvise Tedesco]

thank you both

[ESTEBEVERDE]

I can get you a new EX1000, combo machine gun/ XDCAM camcorder. Shoots 24 frames/ rounds a second

SOLD! :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)

[philip bloom]

how ironic...my broken ex1 which is in repair will be a few weeks as it needs parts from japan...it broke in japan and i brought it back to the uk to get it repaired. They send me a loan unit straight away so no problem there thankfully!

[thxdave]

I don't know if it's ironic or idiotic, but I just sent my EX1 back to San Jose after they (Sony) broke it while it was in for service. Unbelievable.

[basspig]

I don't know if it's ironic or idiotic, but I just sent my EX1 back to San Jose after they (Sony) broke it while it was in for service. Unbelievable.

You're fortunate. Mine's back at Sony San Jose, having a design flaw fixed via a retrofit "upgrade". You'd think I'd be entitled to a loaner? Nope!

[thxdave]

What did they retrofit? I almost asked them to check out the battery drainage issue but I chickened out figuring that it would give them TOO many chances to break something else.

[Kholi]

Phillip I have to know: do you shoot with your shutter on or off?

I have an EX-1 in my posession right now and I'm getting some Ultimate footage. This camera is clunky and clumsy as hell but the image paired with the Ultimate and Zeiss lenses...

Ugh. I have to rethink my ownership plans, I might be shelling out for a second camera.

I ask about your shutter, though, because I see that a lot of your footage has "Streaks" and people are associating it with the "Video" look. I'm shooting with my 200A side by side with the EX-1 and flipping between footage... I don't see any difference in the rendition of motion between the two camera, or at least one that's significant enough.

The Jello cam exists, no joke. But I've waved and shoved this camera around unreasonably so and I can't break the HQ Codec.

My gahd.

[basspig]

What did they retrofit? I almost asked them to check out the battery drainage issue but I chickened out figuring that it would give them TOO many chances to break something else.

I learned that there is a circuit board replacement that corrects the design of the power switching so that when the camera is turned OFF, if is indeed completely powered down, not merely on standby. It has been reported in another forum that the repair was successful, so I forwarded that thread to my contact at Sony and he sent me a pre-paid FedEx shipping label so I could ship my EX1 for this "update".

PS: It never fails to amaze me at how much unexpected work comes my way just as soon as I ship that damned camera off to Sony! I just got a call earlier this evening for an urgent shoot this Friday of an equestrian training event. I'll have to shoot it in HDV and struggle with the poor audio and picture as well as the ingest time, A/V synch loss problems that occur, etc., as the overall price of the job won't justify a rental EX1. If that lady had called a week ago, I would be in a much better position to do the job. As it is, I'm going to have to work much harder to make V1U product deliver the goods. I hope Sony does the fix and turns it around promptly. June is a big month of shooting multiple events.

[Steve Shovlar]

Kholi. join the club with the EX1. I sold my HVX200 to buy the EX1 and it was the best move I ever made camera wise. It's just head and shoulders above the HVX200.

I am green with envy you have your hands on the Ultimate. I have the LEX but can't get past the major problem it has of mottled skies and flat surfaces as soon as I go over F4. I will chop it in as soon as the Ultimate comes to the table for us common folks. ( as long as the price is not extortionate!)

[Kholi]

There's no way I would ever sell my HVX200A to buy an EX-1. But I would consider buying an EX-1 to use.

Don't mistake, the EX-1 looks VERY nice when used within it's limitations. The second you move too quick or you get around the wrong light (I have recordings of BOTH right now) the camera begins to whimper. So, nah, it's not universal enough for my work. I can walk out of the house with the 200A + Ultimate and make 750.00 on rentals alone. I can't find anyone that really wants to rent the EX-1 just yet.

The HVX200A also renders color a lot more pleasing (to me) than the EX-1 even with tuning the EX-1 (boy was THAT fun). HVX200A is better on noise so the noise thing is a little moot for me at this point. They're both just as noisey at this point in certain circumstances.

On the Ultimate: Nummy. I have some footage from EX-1 and HVX200A (the 200A some actual lit stuff, though) I'm going to post up in my thread over in the 35mm Adapter forum. The thing is incredible.

A good example of the limitations is you using your Extreme: IMO it's a wicked adapter as long as you use it within it's limitations. Same with the EX-1.

Again, if I had the money I'd get both + XDR or nanoFlash from Convergent Designs.

[basspig]

Good. Keep talking down the value of the EX1. Reduce the demand, so Sony might lower the price (so I can buy a bunch more EX1s and clean out the last of the HDV cams in my shop.) :)

[Lenilenapi]

There's no way I would ever sell my HVX200A to buy an EX-1. But I would consider buying an EX-1 to use.

Don't mistake, the EX-1 looks VERY nice when used within it's limitations. The second you move too quick or you get around the wrong light (I have recordings of BOTH right now) the camera begins to whimper. .

huh? What are you talking about? Did you turn the shutter on I hope?
I see very few advantages in the HVX frankly and most of them are user issues not image.


Lenny

[Kholi]

huh? What are you talking about? Did you turn the shutter on I hope?
I see very few advantages in the HVX frankly and most of them are user issues not image.


Lenny

Shutter was on. I have it recorded. Soon as I get it to the bay I'll post it up. No amount of shutter tweaking could get rid of the white lines rolling in my image when I took it downstairs to the laundry room.

And, when you pan, you sure as hell can see everything wobbling.

Again, this kinda thing is not acceptable for my type of work. There are several different types of jobs, though, so for some people it'll be great. Again, i'd get it as another cam to have, but wouldn't trade it out for an HVX200A by any means.

Edit here: I'm not saying this camera sucks, so no wars to be started. But I know what I'm seeing and I have the camera sitting right next to me. The image quality is exceptional and clearly is more resolute than the HVX image. It's just got "trade-offs" that I can't have as my main camera. That and once again the HVX200(A) is a money maker for me.

[Lenilenapi]

Well Id like to see what your talking about. Sounds awfully obvious to have elluded the rest of us.
What are you viewing it on?

[Kholi]

In the LCD and on a 42" HD-LCD.

I dunno how anyone could've missed it, but then again I also saw the edge softness on the Brevis and others didn't.

I wish I could get video up now, but I'll get it up tomorrow. The light thing is described as:

Very white but faint lines moving from bottom to top in the footage against a plain white wall. This was done under fluorescent lights at 1/48, 1/60, 1/120th.

With the RED ONE (CMOS as well) you can see it also under Magnetic HMIs or standard Fluorescent lights but it's nowhere NEAR as prevalent as it is on the EX-1 it seems AND it can be fixed at 1/40 shutter or 1/60

[Lenilenapi]

Barry has talked about flicker under older flourescents as a rolling shutter issue but you should be able to get rid of it by playing with your shutter speed.

I thought i wrote down his suggested shutter speeds but can't seem to find them right now.

Hopefully you tried the wrong ones. This is a limitation but my understanding is when you get the right shutter speed it should be fixed. Hope so.

- lenny

[Kholi]

Barry has talked about flicker under older flourescents as a rolling shutter issue but you should be able to get rid of it by playing with your shutter speed.

I thought i wrote down his suggested shutter speeds but can't seem to find them right now.

Hopefully you tried the wrong ones. This is a limitation but my understanding is when you get the right shutter speed it should be fixed. Hope so.

- lenny

The fixed shutters (Barry actually told us this when we were all on set last week) are 1/40 and 1/60th.

If someone else can try it that'd be sweet, but I'm gonna do it again tomorrow and post both footages. It's there, and it's VERY prevalent even on the EX-1 LCD. 1/40 and 1/60 didn't do anything to help it.

The RED ONE implementation of CMOS is a much more advanced one than EX-1 so I suspect that's why we don't see it at those shutters. Perhaps there's also something else you need to do on the EX-1 to bypass this.

[rubadubcreations]

Another thing to consider is the signal flow within the camera. I don't know much about the EX-1, but I know on the DVX, many things happen after the signal hits the screen and before it is recorded.

[chagchag]

and frame-rate obviously. and "reduce flicker", and a last one that I don't remember what's called because I don't have an ex1 available atm

[philip bloom]

This is a must read: http://web.mac.com/philip.bloom/Blooms_Blog/Blooms_Blog/Entries/2008/6/8_Lets_make_this_the_Ultimate_wedding_list!!.html

If everyone on this thread could help out we could make their day pretty special!

[basspig]

Nifty! What a lucky guy!

I've got my own little wish list going on the front of my web site too. Sometimes if you just beg, people with $$$ and soft hearts will open their wallets. :)

[stevec]

Letus Announces Ultimate for Sale, I have just posted my review and my "Ultimate Autopsy" and two other blog entries. See pictures of the inner workings of the Ultimate.

@ http://web.mac.com/stevecahill/Steve_Cahills_Blog/Blog/Entries/2008/6/29_Ultimate_Autopsy.html

[Carl Marxx]

:violin: Hey guys here's a tip, I always cut and cover my camera with non-reflective black gaffers tape when I get it. It prevents the acids from your hands in attacking the paint and makes for a "super grip" on the camera when you are using it. It also covers any identification and makes it less noticable to others. When you sell the camera, you can remove it with special solvent and the camera looks just like new. Just remember, the camera is only a tool and should not be noticable to the viewer - Carl

[emotepix]

Carl

Interesting solution. I've used black tape on stills cameras before, but usually that would be black plastic electrical tape, which works very well but isn't non-reflective.

So it's industry standard matte black camera tape that you'd be using?

And exactly what brand of solvent will remove its residues without harming the delicate paintwork it would have been covering?

Thanks!
Cheers
Chris

[Carl Marxx]

:violin: Hey, Emo-- I use the standard 2 1/2" gaffer's tape. It comes in flat black; unfortunately, the newer rolls have a more reflective surface than in the past, but I think they are as effective. Use a scissors to cut the patches for each surface and place them on the camera! Even if you sweat, your grip is like glue. There is a special solvent, made from petroleum based distillates, that is intended to remove the base glue of the tape from the camera without any damage to the paint; costs about $10.00. You will have to look around for it if you want to remove it when you sell the camera. You will never get a scratch on your camera in production if you do this, and it looks like a serious tool to anyone at a shoot.

[stevec]

Check out the blog with new entries

1. ShotPut EXpress review with pictures
2. New EX1 battery charger
3. When bad pixels go wrong

All @ http://web.mac.com/stevecahill/Steve_Cahills_Blog/Blog/Blog.html

[philip bloom]

I wanted to write a quick note wishing everyone the best of luck with the EX1 and EX3, in fact with everything.

I am taking a break from here for a while. If you even need advice or questions do not hesitate to email me at philip@philipbloom.co.uk

[ddh]

I wanted to write a quick note wishing everyone the best of luck with the EX1 and EX3, in fact with everything.

I am taking a break from here for a while. If you even need advice or questions do not hesitate to email me at philip@philipbloom.co.uk

By all means take a break! I'll be doing just that in 2 weeks.

[philip bloom]

in absolutely no way done to compete with twilightfest my second film compo is on with prizes from Letus Direct and Red Giant Software. Just another incentive to get people to go out there and shoot.

Can be shot on anything!!!

http://philipbloom.co.uk/2008/10/06/new-film-competition/

[philip bloom]

Final edit of short film "The Echo" shot on the ex1 and lex combo now up!!

http://philipbloom.co.uk/2008/10/07/the-echo/

am very pleased with the job Joe Shaw has done with it

[ESTEBEVERDE]

WOW!!!!

Riveting....

..... just... wow....

[DBertinelli]

Amazing Work!
db

[thxdave]

Powerful piece, Philip. Great work by all involved. Audio question: How much of this was boomed audio and how much wireless?

[philip bloom]

Just put two new shorts up on my website/blog at philipbloom.co.uk I hope you enjoy them.

One called Return to Siberia, the other Grand Canyon.

[ESTEBEVERDE]

Siberia looks dark.

I can only imagine it is.

[philip bloom]

Done a new blog detailing all the main gear I recommend and more importantly use myself.
http://philipbloom.co.uk/2008/11/08/my-favourite-things/

[James Dierx]

Thank you for that list Philip. My EX3 will be arriving this Tuesday and you really influenced me in making that decision. Let's just hope I can pump out that epic cinematography like you do!

[ESTEBEVERDE]

Done a new blog detailing all the main gear I recommend and more importantly use myself.
http://philipbloom.co.uk/2008/11/08/my-favourite-things/

Awesome!

Now if we could only shoot like you! :beer:

[frisco]

Wow..... I started to watch this for the technical merit..... Got so hooked on the content/story, I watched it as a film!

Great Job !

frisco




Final edit of short film "The Echo" shot on the ex1 and lex combo now up!!

http://philipbloom.co.uk/2008/10/07/the-echo/

am very pleased with the job Joe Shaw has done with it

[philip bloom]

thanks!

[philip bloom]

http://philipbloom.co.uk/2009/01/14/3rd-film-competition-great-prizes-fantastic-sponsors/

Win a Letus Extreme and loads of other prizes!!

[Iudex]

YEAH! I'm in.

Hope you can ship a Letus to Argentina without any problems :D

[philip bloom]

sure that's possible!!

[philip bloom]

I just want to say, although I am having a torrid affair with the Panasonic HPX301e, I still am married to my one true love the EX3. Being a french national I believe I am allowed to take a mistress...I couldn't help it! She had a sleek body and promised me a more voluptuous figure of 4:2:2 than the waif like 4:2:0

[Michael B. McGee]

oh, but what about the brassiere on an EX that plumps em up to 4:2:2?

[FrankC]

Ah Phillip... You are so easily seduced by that Panasonic slut my friend! Do you not see her P2 homliness underneath? She my may be enticing for a weekend fling, but soon that $8,500 price tag may show to be too expensive for what you get in return. But ahh yes, there are many many buttons to play with...no?

[philip bloom]

Ah Phillip... You are so easily seduced by that Panasonic slut my friend! Do you not see her P2 homliness underneath? She my may be enticing for a weekend fling, but soon that $8,500 price tag may show to be too expensive for what you get in return. But ahh yes, there are many many buttons to play with...no?

She is high maintenance, she eats more GB per minute than my wife but she does scrub up well though...

[philip bloom]

oh, but what about the brassiere on an EX that plumps em up to 4:2:2?

it's all fake, you get her home and underneath it all she is still 4:2:0...so disappointing :-)

[philip bloom]

i do get a feeling that her younger sister, back from the far east with new tricks and ready to take on my mistress won't be too far away...

[philip bloom]

looking good, some of the films are really great.

hurry up and enter!

http://philipbloom.co.uk/2009/03/10/bloomfest-3-less-than-a-week-to-go/

[philip bloom]

Hi guys,

In case you didn't know I do have a twitter account. www.twitter.com/philipbloom that appears on my site. I use it to drop latest news and also work opportunities so check it out!

[Mike Schell]

I just want to say, although I am having a torrid affair with the Panasonic HPX301e, I still am married to my one true love the EX3. Being a french national I believe I am allowed to take a mistress...I couldn't help it! She had a sleek body and promised me a more voluptuous figure of 4:2:2 than the waif like 4:2:0

Hi Philip-
You can get that voluptuous 4:2:2 figure at a much lower cost with a nanoFlash!

Cheers-
Mike Schell
Convergent Design

[philip bloom]

Hi Philip-
You can get that voluptuous 4:2:2 figure at a much lower cost with a nanoFlash!

Cheers-
Mike Schell
Convergent Design

Mike, can I go out on a date with her please?!

[philip bloom]

MxM adaptors

For the first time tried out the new MxM adaptors. Nice cases and work a treat.

Check them out here:

http://philipbloom.co.uk/2009/04/03/shooting-on-sdhc-cards-on-the-ex13-with-mxm-adaptors/#more-2523

[philip bloom]

New tutorial section launched on my site. I hope it is of use to people.

http://philipbloom.co.uk/tutorials/

[Mike Schell]

Mike, can I go out on a date with her please?!

I will have to clear it with her mother! But sometime in May, looks likely.

Cheers-
Mike

[philip bloom]

I will have to clear it with her mother! But sometime in May, looks likely.

Cheers-
Mike

Generally, the mothers have always liked me more the actual girls did! Weird that! ;-)

[Sumfun]

Generally, the mothers have always liked me more the actual girls did! Weird that! ;-)

There's a word for that - cougars! :thumbsup:

[philip bloom]

all three of you demanded it....so have started a "test" video blog. Starting with my trip to NAB, Las Vegas. Enjoy...hopefully!!

The humour (as is the spelling of the word humour) is very English so you may not "get it"!

http://philipbloomblog.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/blooms-daily-video-blog-from-the-usavegas/

[philip bloom]

Barry Green makes a guest appearance in Part 3!
http://philipbloomblog.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/blooms-daily-video-blog-from-the-usavegas/

[MitchLewis]

Hmmm, I can't get it to load. Probably too many people trying to download it.

Where's the ghost town video you and Stunzi shot on Wednesday? Did you shoot anything?

[ChipG]

It's not displaying on your page correctly, it shows as a little 1 inch box in the left corner.

[philip bloom]

Ghost Town is online and the video with Barry too...it hadn't finished converting.

My first footage to go onto 35mm film from the EX3 and Letus will be shown in cinemas very shortly.

Please read my blog here to learn more! http://philipbloom.co.uk/films/35mm-films/nt-live/

[MitchLewis]

I can't believe they wouldn't let you take home that helicopter for a review. Must have been because you weren't American. ;)

Too bad, would have been a great review.

[philip bloom]

I get so many questions to my blog and I’m truly flattered that so many of you ask my opinion and ask for my help.

I’ve always been very happy to offer my thoughts on all aspects of film making and how to go about creating the elusive film look. However my filming and presenting schedule has become increasingly busy this year and as such I just don’t have as much time as i would like to answer every question in as much detail as I would like.

So I’ve teamed up with a good friend and fellow cameraman Dennis Lennie and we’ve set up F-Stop Academy.

This is going to be an online training resource for Videographers, event videographers, cameramen, indie film makers and photographers of every level. We are both really proud of this and hope it will become an invaluable one-stop site for learning and improving every aspect of your film-making.

Probably the most common question we’ve been asked is ’How do I create the film look using video?’


So in response to all the questions and indeed so that I don’t let any of you down by not replying fully to a question we’ve created a pre release website called www.learntocreatethefilmlook.com which is going to teach you, well how to create the film look!

If you register then we’ll send you a free 54 minute audio interview where Den ‘interviews me’ about what aspects define the film look.

We are currently working behind the scenes creating a course that will be a comprehensive set of modules covering every aspect of creating the film look using your HD video camera.

So click on this link and you’ll be asked for you name and email address so we can keep you updated with progress before the course becomes available to buy. In return we’ll send you a Free audio report and more cool free stuff. You are not obligated in any way to buy the course once you have signed up! Eventually there will be a paid part of this site but there will always be free content and tutorials, much like my site has now. It's all free for now and there will always be a free part!

In this free audio report you will learn what components are vital to effectively creating the film look and you’ll also discover:

* What defines the ‘film look’,

* How you overcome the limitations of small sensor cameras,

* How important shallow Depth of Field is?

* The 5 Fundamental factors Phil uses when creating the ‘film look’,

* What is absolutely essential kit,

* How significant grading is in the overall process.

It’s really important that we create a course that matches your wants and needs. So please leave feedback after you’ve listened to the interview.

Don’t worry am not going anywhere, am still totally dedicated to this website and will always endeavor to answer as many questions as I can, the blog will continue to be updated constantly, reviews will still be as prolific, this is just a way for me to really take what I know and share it in the best possible way! It also gives me a way to dedicate a lot more time to teaching which is currently a bit of a struggle with all my filming commitments!

http://www.learntocreatethefilmlook.com

[DEPTH OF PHIL]

Very cool letter, you have helped and inspired a lot of filmmakers with a genuine, personal touch.
Cheers mate

[Dan Clark]

Phil (Bloom),

I watched the Magic Bullet grading tutorial. Watching the creative process in combination with the tool techniques was a great teaching aid. VERY nice!

Thanks,

Dan.