New York City DVXUSER Crew Presents: Katrina

[TimurCivan]

In additon to the mirrors, we are also offering a couple of different 720 versions of KATRINA:

Each of these 3 is about 200 megs, has some artifacting from compression, but is a decent compromise between quality and size.
http://www.eefilm.com/katrina/katrina_h264_HD.mov
http://www.desperatecomfort.com/katrina/katrina_h264_HD.mov
http://www.timur civan.com/katrina/katrina_h264_HD.mov ( I am Fresh out of bandwidth)

This one is a SUPER high quality 720, that looks pristine and is about 1.12 gigs.
http://www.eefilm.com/katrina/katrina_h264_HD_best.mov

Thanks to Norm for helping us host these larger versions!


http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2750/1165099482.jpg

The New York City DVXuser Crew as a whole is a nearly perfect production team. Its members include Myslelf, Mark Harris, Steve Boling, Aram Bauman, Leslie Goff, Alex DePew and last but not least Alexander Lewis. We have all become friends, and without the help of these friends, and their unwavering dedication to our "Katrina" project, Mark and I have descided to make Katrina a group entry into the DVXuser.com DramaFest, to reflect everyones hard work. Hence forth in this contest, the film will cease to be a Mark Harris / Timur Civan Film, but instead a NYC DVXUSER Group Film. Team work is whats its all about.




CAST:
Godfrey L. Simmons Jr.
Lindsey Liberatore
Brandon Ladd
Mark Harris


Written, Directed, Produced, & Edited
by
Mark Harris

Director of Photography
Timur Civan

Gaffer
Aram Bauman

Assistant Director
Leslie Jaye Goff

Assistant Camera
Alex Lewis

Grip
Alex Depew

Grip
Gary Waldinger

Production and Set Design
Steven Boling

Costume Deisgn
Martina Melendez

On-Set Costumer
Jill D'Oronzo

Music Composed & Performed
by
Herman Witkam

Sound Design, Foley, & Sound Mix
Joe Johnson

Titles & Animation
Peter Gagnon

Production Services
Black Watch Productions

Casting, Props, Locations
Mark Harris

Shot on location in Brooklyn, USA





Some Grabs!

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2939/1169124600.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2939/1169124619.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2939/1169124636.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2939/1169124962.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2939/1169125313.jpg


BTS:
http://puffinfilms.com/Katrina%20Shoot/DSC00361.JPG
(JimTheJib)

http://puffinfilms.com/Katrina%20Shoot/DSC00338.JPG
(Steve2bees)

http://puffinfilms.com/Katrina%20Shoot/DSC00328.JPG
Alex Depew, Godfrey Simmons, Brandon, MsMAnhattan, MArk harris, and me hiding behind the china ball.

[Brandon Rice]

Heck ya! Glad to see you guys in!

[TimurCivan]

More Grabs!
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2939/1169143436.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2939/1169143472.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2939/1169359059.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2939/1169362089.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2939/1169360181.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2939/1169473798.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2939/1169473823.jpg

WORKFLOW:

Here is some information on the workflow we are using to shoot Katrina. First off we are using the HVX / SGproREV2/ Serious magic HD rack software combination. we are shooting 720/24P over 60P with a 2:3 pull down. The reason for this is that the HDrack software cannot capture 24pN.

Footage logging: While theoretically we can shoot without Cards, i opted to keep the camera with a P2 card inside. the reasoning is this. If the Fire wire cable should be disconnected for any reason, and the HD rack capture be interrupted, the P2 card will be capturing the shot and the take is not wasted. since its flash, who cares if it gets full. When it fills, i reformat after the end of the take, and continue recording. HD rack is a GREAt piece of software, and its full res 720P Monitor while sharp, has a 1/2 second lag, and doesnt display the full framerate, leading to the image being jerky. This was a major problem for me while operating the camera as i couldnt frame up while the actors moved, because of the lag. However, i had a lowresolution, 16:9 DVD player with me for framing purposes, and this quickly solved the problem. The HD rack monitor is SUPERB for Focusing however, its Razor sharp.

Camera/SGpro: The HVX is truly an EXCELLENT camera. we utilized The Variable framerates, the natural, rich lush look it provides and in combination with its high dynamic range, and great highlight handling it provided a very film like latitude with great definiton. Aram, Alex Depew, Steve Bowling and I lit the set very carefully. I made a plan to light the set until we could reach a proper exposure at F2.8 on my 35mm Canon FD lenses. The reason i settled on F2.8 is this. i have 5 primes. the slowest of the bunch are two lenses, both F2.8, probably closer to T3.0 - T3.5. My theory is as follows, if you can light until your darkest (slowest) lens gets proper exposure to the camera, then you can interchange freely among the different lenses, without a disparity of wide ranging exposures in the footage. On Bloody Mary, some of the footage was VERY dark in comparison to the different setups in the same scene, because i used a slower F4 Wideangle lens as a wide shot to closeups shot with a 55mm F1.2. the CU's were about 3 stops brighter, and matching up the footage in post was difficult. ( thank you Zoe White (future ASC member for sure) for helping me realise this) Now if we had lit the scene to a point where the F4 lens had proper exposure, we could always close down the F1.2 lens, to compensate for added brightness ( or stop down the dvx iris to maintins the F1.2 super SHDOF instead). Also the added benefit is that the lenses get alot sharper when you stop down a bit, this is espacially evident in HD.

The SGpro Rev2 adapter is a hidden secret among 35 adapters. ITs the best 35 adapter that noone knows about. WAyne kinney, whom i have had an ongoing email conversation with for over a year, has kept me updated to all the advancements, and refinements hes been making in his design. Esssentially it breaks down like this. its a Spinning GG adapter, like the M2. Unlike the M2, it exhibits almost no vingetting, and because of a professionally designed, custom Achromatic Diopeter, it exhibits ZERO chroma Aberation, and No resolution loss on the edges of the frame. Also Waynes Secret weapon, the "magic GG" as he calls it. he wont tell me what he does to it. And quite frankly i dont care so long as it keeps putting out the image quality that it does. Pay attention to the quality of the Bokeh. it most closely resemebles 35mm Film, out of all the 35 adapters, including the Mini35. Its rich and solid, and doesnt allow the residual image to Ghost though creating a low quality look. This great piece of equiptment in combination with Great Canon FD lenses, provided us with a superb and fully controlabe camera setup. Because all my lenses are FD SSC lenses, and are spherical in build, they exhibit that distict charachteristic, found in most cinema lenses, the round disc of out of focus light. The fact that we matched the lenses in apeture helped meld the different charachteristics of the lenses together, and created in essence a "matched" set of Primes.

I am using:
Zesnar 16mm F2.8 Semi Fisheye
Canon FD 24mm F2.8
CAnon FD 35mm F2.0 SSC
Canon FD 50mm F1.4 SSC
Canon FD 55mm F1.2 SSC
Canon FD 125mm F2.5 SSC
Zesnar 200mm F 3.5 (su

Now you may be askin why do i have a 50mm and a 55mm??? The reason is the two lenses have different looks, the 55mm has a bit of barrel distortion at full wide when focusd up close, this creates a very unique effect that i put to good use. also, since closing down to F1.4 is a possibility, the lens instantly gets much sharper, and still retains almost no light loss. Also, the Zesnar lenses are Russian made lenses, based on german designs. They are relativly inexpensive, but perform very well.


AS far as the look goes, i was interested in crating a Dark smoky look. Incase you hadn't notices based on the poster. :D.

I conferred with aram, that i wanted mostly hard back lighting, with Semi Hard Keylights, and Soft fills. I was influenced by the looks of films like "Cape Fear" "Out Of Sight" "The Underneath" and "The Black Dalia". My art references were, Edward hoppers drab, lonely worlds, Cindy Sherman's nostalgic sarcasm, and some of my own tricks ;) . While i didnt exactly copy any of these looks, i was very interested in incorporating my own art photographs into this. The hard, bright lights, and gels, to reference a kind of superreal that only works in Photgraphs, Theatre and Film. Its increadible how much disparity from reality the eye will tolerate so long as its beautiful. I hope the photographs i have taken you will all find beautiful. But you have to look fast, cause they flash by 24 times a second.......


BTS Update:

http://www.chocolatemilkfilms.com/Katrina_Pics/Katrina_Pics.html

LAst day of principal photography. On location with Godfrey and MArk.
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2750/1169450937.jpg

[Brandon Rice]

Hey, you know me... I challenge anyone to be quicker on the post button ;) haha!

[TimurCivan]

truedat

[Beat Takeshi]

Wait till you see my comedy stand up about DVXusers for my 2000 post video. Brandon is one of the people I bust on about this. Hope you have a thick skin.

[Brandon Rice]

Sa'll good man, I know you don't hate me :) haha

[TimurCivan]

oh boy.... it starts..... i'll bring the popcorn and beer to the thread.

[Beat Takeshi]

Hehe, its not that bad. Funny as hell though.

[Brandon Rice]

When can we see it Aram?

[TimurCivan]

Poster is UP!

[Beat Takeshi]

Its still in production. The thing about stand up comedy is that the audience reaction makes it a lot better as a viewer. Watching someone do stand up with no laughter is kind of weird.

[Brandon Rice]

Love that poster dude.

[TimurCivan]

thank you.

[griffin]

When I read the title I first thought it was going to be about the hurricane that shared the same name. I was pleasantly surprised when seeing the poster and how cool it looks. Good job with the poster. I'm interested to see what the story is

[TimurCivan]

its dark.......

[Herman Witkam]

Great poster guys! :D

[TimurCivan]

thank you herman!

[Ted Arabian]

Hey, I am liking it! Love the font.

[Paul Coleman]

Excellent poster. :thumbup: :thumbup:

[Larry Rutledge]

Nice poster :thumbsup: I'm intrigued.


Is that the font called "Air Conditioner"? I really like it, used it a while back for a project.

[Jay Rodriguez]

looks like someone has some photoshop skills

[235 Studios]

You've got me interested- as others have said- good job on the poster! :beer:

[TimurCivan]

not as much photoshop as you think. The imagein the glasses really is a reflection. The only part photoshopped is the lettering and i altered the material the glasses are sitting on. Real money, real bullets, real glasses.


lotsa complex lighting.....

[Darkline]

hey! Look who it is :-)

things are hotting up! this should be fun

[Mark Harris]

Yeah, the poster looks bad-assed, Timur. Great work.

[Mark Harris]

not as much photoshop as you think. The imagein the glasses really is a reflection. The only part photoshopped is the lettering and i altered the material the glasses are sitting on. Real money, real bullets, real glasses.

My 2 questions are:

1) Why do you have bullets?
2) Where did you get all that money? You're definitely buying dinner next time I see you.

[Charli]

I think that's the $50 I lost last week. Please send that to me priority mail,
like asap.

[Mark Johnson]

Brilliant poster. Best of the lot in my opinion. Having you guys in this will totally raise the bar. Woo hoo!!!

[TimurCivan]

The bullets are from my gat, and the dough is all the money i have in the world.

[Darkline]

will the theme music be "Walking on sunshine"?

I hope so, I'll buy it on DVDHDBLueraysCDRAM if it is.

good luck with this, tho you're not exactly gonna need it!

[TimurCivan]

i was thinking some thing else for the music...... but thats really up to herman.

[Kholi]

A total of 45 dollars. This Katrina chic is about to strike it big.

Just kidding. That's a really good poster, Timur. I could totally see it blown up and stuck on a wall with all the tiny text at the bottom that I never ever read.

[TimurCivan]

cough cough.... 55$ mofo....

[Kholi]

cough cough.... 55$ mofo....

Oh dang. Big ballin.

[TimurCivan]

"Thats right!" he says as he cries and moths fly from his pockets...........

[Mark Harris]

Yeah, we're pretty excited. Script is like 95% done, with some tweaks still to go in. Aram hates it, but I think there will be a lot in the performances that addresses what he sees wrong with it.

And I am inches away from casting the female lead. Then only one more role to cast.

M

[TimurCivan]

Aram no likey? i thought it was pretty good......

[Mark Harris]

pretty good? I'm very happy with it, like I said, with some tweaks I want to get in.

[Beat Takeshi]

LOL. I didn't say I hated it, just that it felt non-climatic. But I may be reading to totally wrong. Leslie kind of touched on the same things I said when she read it last night just to let you know. Are you guys going to buy any guns for this? If you are maybe we can go dutch on one of those UK gun models that have real shells that fly out. The only thing is that I'm looking for something instantly recognizable but not too bulky looking. Something like this.
http://www.modelguns.co.uk/automag44tde.htm

Its just this company sells out so damn quick on the cool guns.

[Herman Witkam]

LOL. I didn't say I hated it, just that it felt non-climatic. But I may be reading to totally wrong. Leslie kind of touched on the same things I said when she read it last night just to let you know. Are you guys going to buy any guns for this? If you are maybe we can go dutch on one of those UK gun models that have real shells that fly out. The only thing is that I'm looking for something instantly recognizable but not too bulky looking. Something like this.
http://www.modelguns.co.uk/automag44tde.htm

Its just this company sells out so damn quick on the cool guns.

'going Dutch' LOL

It's been a while since I last heard that one. :tongue:

[Geoff_R]

Very cool poster, looking forward to this one!

[Beat Takeshi]

'going Dutch' LOL

It's been a while since I last heard that one. :tongue:

THe funny thing is that I never use that term. That was the first thing that popped into my head when I though of buying one with Mark. What does that say about him?

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Poster looks kick ass, wow.

[Mark Harris]

Now JDS, don't you swoop in and "Jack" us again...

[TimurCivan]

pretty good? I'm very happy with it, like I said, with some tweaks I want to get in.


Well i actually really really like it.... ;)

[TimurCivan]

Poster looks kick ass, wow.

i am getting an HVX MOTHERFOERS!!!!! the Movie is Gonna look just as Kick ass!

[Kyle Stebbins]

oh my god. that poster is RIDICULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Edgen]

Yup... That poster is definitely ACE! Looking forward to seeing the film :)

(and Herman's Score of course :) )

cheers!
/j

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Yeah, just fade in on that poster for two and a half minutes, then fade out for a nother two and a half minutes. Have Herman score it, and the gold is yours ... yours I tell you ... yours.

[Ben Sliker]

Yeah, just fade in on that poster for two and a half minutes, then fade out for a nother two and a half minutes. Have Herman score it, and the gold is yours ... yours I tell you ... yours.

what?!? You mean I was shooting with the DVX this whole time for nothing!!!!

sweet poster guys.

[Alex DePew]

Great poster. Can't wait to see what you guys do with this one. If you need any help from pre-pro through post let me know and I'm there.

Alex

[Mark Harris]

Great poster. Can't wait to see what you guys do with this one. If you need any help from pre-pro through post let me know and I'm there.

Alex

Oh I'm sure you'll be holding some mic or something, sucka!

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

what?!? You mean I was shooting with the DVX this whole time for nothing!!!!

sweet poster guys.
No you have to shoot the poster with the DVX or HVX.

[JimtheJib]

sweet!!

[Steve_Arm]

Well, did anyone mention what a great poster you have there guys?... Oh yes?... Okey.

Any news-updates besides that?

[Mark Harris]

The leads are cast. Hopefully I will get some pics of them up when I come back from FL. Just one more male role to cast.

[TimurCivan]

Story borading is moving along. I am making my Lighting diagrams, plans, and lens choices. Waiting for my 35 adapter to get back, and waiting for my DVX to return form Repair, then my baby who served me so well is off to some other grateful person who will cherish it, and give me a couple thousand bucks for it.... then i will be purchasing an HVX200 of my very own!

thats whats happening right now.

[conrad_johnson]

I can't wait, gentlemen. This is gonna be good!

[Jason Ramsey]

Best of luck guys.

Your poster sucks, though :) kidding. It's great

Jason

[Norm Sanders]

Excellent to see you guys in this ... really looking forward to it & love the poster! :thumbsup:

[luster]

Sweet poster. I'm looking forward to seeing what you guys do.

[Matt Sconce]

Timur, check your PMs. :-)

[TimurCivan]

yea i did.... Holy crap :grin:

[Inexistence]

Suhweet ya bastids! Nice poster!

[TimurCivan]

thank you sir.

[Matt Sconce]

yea i did.... Holy crap :grin: I know! hehe:Drogar-Evil(DBG):

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Me too!
But I swear that dog was naked when I got there.

[TimurCivan]

Lets just say i receved an ENOURMOUS compliment. Thank you to you know who.

[Alex DePew]

Lets just say i receved an ENOURMOUS compliment. Thank you to you know who.

No problem. You deserve it.:Drogar-Dum(DBG):

[TimurCivan]

Oh yea you called me whats up mang?

LMAO i just notices you have Yellow #002....... lol

now i must have Yellow #003

[Brandon Rice]

Actually I had Yellow #2, but was told to get rid of it...

[Alex DePew]

Not much. Just callin to shoot the proverbial poo poo.

Yep. I'm 2nd in line biatch! TC is first. Brandon couldn't make the full deposit so I got his spot.

[TimurCivan]

and im just hating....

[Ted Arabian]

Actually I had Yellow #2, but was told to get rid of it...
What? That is crazy! What's up with that????

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Anyway, came by to see what is going on in the thread.... I think that you guys should have titled this... "Mark and Timur's Excellent Adventure!" :)

Any updates???

And Timur.... WHERE IS MY PAINTING?????????????

-Ted

[Mark Harris]

Hey Ted,

Things are progressing. We have a tough location to secure, a roadside motel with some sort of 50's futurist feel to it. And I am making some script revisions, some things about the main character I wasn't completely happy with. Also, determining what kind of equipment we need.

Also, I just returned from FL where I was trying to watch the shuttle launch. But they scrubbed and it wasn't looking likely that they would go again soon, so we left - having to get back to life - and the bastards launched last night. Argh!

Anyhoo, if anyone has a line on the roadside motel I'm talking about in the tri-state area, give us a shout. Those things are all over nevada and Calif where I'm from.

M

[Ted Arabian]

Hey Mark, too bad about the shuttle launch. That would have been cool. Did you bring you dvx to capture it? Saving it for future use? I saw a lauch once.... Apollo 15 in 1971!!!! Very cool for a 7 year old kid to see!

Good luck on the location search!

-Ted

[hjanssen]

This one looks great!

[TimurCivan]

And Timur.... WHERE IS MY PAINTING?????????????

-Ted

its coming its coming.....

[Mark Harris]

Also, we need a COWBOY in the NYC area. Any actors out there want to be a cowboy?

M

[TimurCivan]

we should get that asshole in Times square the naked cowboy..... make it Manhole V: Katrina

i kid i kid

[Ted Arabian]

I can be a cowboy.... come on.... please!!!!!!!!!!

[Alex DePew]

Also, we need a COWBOY in the NYC area. Any actors out there want to be a cowboy?

M

Turkish Cowboy work?
http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/571/brokebacktimurbb4.jpg

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Turkish Cowboy?
What's that, like a Stinky Sanchez?

[TimurCivan]

no a turkish cowboy is when a burly hairy man squats down.......

[TimurCivan]

Turkish Cowboy work?
http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/571/brokebacktimurbb4.jpg


Awww it looks like i was gay with heath ledger....... Hes a dream boat!



( you getting good at photoshop alex, that almost looks natural, my questions how do you keep finding pictures of me?)

[Mark Harris]

He does live in my neighborhood. I might be able to make an introduction, Timur...

[TimurCivan]

Oy gevault....

[Mark Harris]

What are all of those colors in peoples' sigs? RED #-035, etc?

[TimurCivan]

tons of people have RED camera preorder numbers in theri sigs. i cant afford a RED camera, so im jealous... ( green with envy)

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

The other colors are jokes.
People have paid a resrvation fee to buy the first red cameras, so that's "RED #037" etc. "Yellow #002" or whatever are just making a joke on that.

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Turkish Cowboy?
What's that, like a Stinky Sanchez?

no a turkish cowboy is when a burly hairy man squats down.......
Ohhhhhh! So that's why you asked me to do that.

[TimurCivan]

i was just wondering if it was possible.

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

And boy was it!
Do your lips still look like you're standing in a wind tunnel?

[Jason Ramsey]

Yeah, the Yellow res #'s are from a mikko video for his 3,333 post and moderator-hood. He was saying he was developing the yellow camera.

Jason

[Ted Arabian]

Mikko's video was very entertaining. I considered the Yellow camera aftr watching his "display!"

[TimurCivan]

had a production meeting today over fish n' chips and beer. We have taken the production to a new level. Basically we have procured a Genuine sound stage.... ( DROOOLL....... Oh God I can USE any lights i want.... DROOOLLLLLLLL) Things are very exciting. I also may go and buy my HVX200 Tommorow.....

Big weekend big weekend.......!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HEHE!!!!!! :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)

[Mark Harris]

Yeah, I think we are going to build a set for one of the interior locations. I am scouting some actual locations now, but if I don't find anything amazing, we are most likely going to build a set for it.

[Ted Arabian]

Wow Guys!!! That's great! A sound stage!!! (DROOL!!!!!!!)

Tell me more, tell me more... :)

[TimurCivan]

Hehe...

This one is gonna be fun.... I love the script. its AWESOME. MArk is really out doing himself here...

[Mark Harris]

Well, the sound stage is mainly because we want some freedom in that set, the freedom we will only get by building a set, as opposed to finding an actual location. We will be able to move the walls in and out, light it from a grid above, or light stands outside the set, etc. That's the main thing.

[Ted Arabian]

Hey Mark, if your post is in response to my post.... I am not questioning why you're on a sound stage.... I am freakin' amazed you got a sound stage!!!

That's amazing!

I can't wait to see BTS from your shoot!

-Ted

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

there's not much difference in a sound stage and a giant hanger filled with tons of lights and a green screen and lots of experienced people, except for the sound.

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Timur check your voicemail biotch.

[Mark Harris]

Hey Mark, if your post is in response to my post.... I am not questioning why your on a sound stage.... I am freakin' amazed you got a sound stage!!!

That's amazing!

I can't wait to see BTS from your shoot!

-Ted

Oh yeah, I was just giving some info there on the reasoning. It's basically a large room with a set built into it. Hopefully tomorrow I will have the floor plan laid out to send to Timur for the storyboards. I have a bunch of notes I owe Timur too on shots, some stuff about color, etc.

I am very excited about this piece. I've made many, many revisions to the script, and it's just about where I want it. We are pushing the prod design and costumes. The actors are really good, and we'll be hitting about 2 weeks of rehearsal to bring out as much nuance and discover as much about the script as we can. It's going to be a very nice piece for our reels.

[TimurCivan]

:) Rock........

[Ted Arabian]

Sounds good guys!

Jack, is a sound stage WARMER than a hangar???? :) Of course, it is in CA so I can't complain!!!

[Mark Harris]

We're still plugging along. Having this contest with X-mas right in the middle isn't helping. But last night I secured a costumer and got her working on what needs to be done. Also found a cool spot I would like to get as a location, so right after X-mas have to go butter them up.

[Mark Harris]

Yeah Jack, you did it all, you want a credit?

[TimurCivan]

SGpro Came back from England.... its kicking ass.

Hehehehehe......

[Matt Sconce]

I am really looking forward to this guys!!

[Slimothy]

Poster is frickin awesome man. Good job. What'd you take the picture with?

Tim.

[TimurCivan]

a 250$ sony digital camera.

[Ted Arabian]

What's the scoop, guys?

I hope that you both had a great holiday season.

TIME TO START CRANKING!!!!

-Ted

[Mark Harris]

hey ted, thanks for dropping by. We've been getting things together. rehearsals start this week, and we just landed a perfect location for one of the scenes. Hopefully we will be able to start posting some more stuff as we ramp up over the next two weeks.

[Ted Arabian]

Awesome! Really looking forward to your BTS!

[Mark Harris]

LOL, I hope we have some! Though now it seems like we all have an HVX, so the BTS will probably be 720 at least :)

[Ted Arabian]

Oh, I'm sorry... I meant, "I am really looking forward to your B*llsh*t not BTS!!!" :grin:

So, how do you like the HVX??? Getting some experience on it?

[Mark Harris]

yeah, though I was having some trouble with noise. Then i realized I had the gain on high. Duh. But yeah, I do like it and really can't wait to do a real shoot on it. And the HD Rack works well with it, giving me a true 720 monitor on my laptop. And you can even full-screen the monitor for added focus-assist. But yeah, digging the camera. How's it been working for you guys on set? You using Mark's broke-ass cam with the battery falling out the ass all the time?

[Brandon Rice]

LOL Yeah, the only HVX I have ever shot with is Mark's with the camera fallin' out... though I was running around with that thing and it was fine the whole time... must be due to my impecable skill at handheld ;) J/K!

[Ted Arabian]

How's it been working for you guys on set? You using Mark's broke-ass cam with the battery falling out the ass all the time?
HAHA! Yeah... damn thing! Sure glad that I am only the director! I don't have to handle that thing!!!

But the footage looks great! Love it!

[TimurCivan]

ive been doing exhaustive tests. Finally found a good clean signal. ran it through the sgpro... looks tight!!!!!!

debating whether to buy the pl mount an rent cookes for katrina......

[conrad_johnson]

ive been doing exhaustive tests. Finally found a good clean signal. ran it through the sgpro... looks tight!!!!!!

debating whether to buy the pl mount an rent cookes for katrina......
I'LL CLEAR THAT UP FOR YOU.....YES.

[Ted Arabian]

Cookies? Yes! Especially Chocolate Chip... they're my favorite!

[Mark Harris]

ive been doing exhaustive tests. Finally found a good clean signal. ran it through the sgpro... looks tight!!!!!!

debating whether to buy the pl mount an rent cookes for katrina......


Well, there's plenty of other real stuff to spend money on if you got the itch to spend...

[Mark Harris]

some location scouting photos:
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2939/1167799246.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2939/1167800548.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2939/1167799325.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2939/1167799369.jpg

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

cool.
are you shooting at night?
or day for day?
or day for night?

[Mark Harris]

well, the outdoor stuff will be at night, and one indoor location at night because that's when we can get it. I will go get some photos of Gravy tomorrow night.

I don't know how you go about shooting day for night, actually...

[Beat Takeshi]

Heh, that building to the left of the first shot was my second office space on the top floor. We had a nice loft space there before 911 crushed our dreams. Its a great hood down there. Once a year they have a giant food fight right there in that pic and afterwards the place stinks for days. There is a parking area there for trucks and it can get to be a pain noise wize just to let you know.

[Mark Harris]

yeah, I know about that. If we do that spot right under the manhattan bridge it will be late at night and likely ADR after...

[Beat Takeshi]

My friends own a cool ass restuarant right up the block from there called Superfine. Nice location spot.

[Mark Harris]

I know superfine and have been there a few times. Didn't know you knew them. I also like Rice. I love going to St. Annes for a show, then heading over to Rice or Grimaldi's...Mmmmm

[Beat Takeshi]

Yeah, friends from Pratt lived right next door to the office in that building and once you know one person down there you know the whole art tribe. I have been to some crazy parties down there. Rice... don't think I know that place. Is that the bar/grill next to the highway with the tables outside?

[Mark Harris]

nah, rice is a little thai place around the corner from superfine

[Beat Takeshi]

Rice...Thai... i should have put that together.

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

well, the outdoor stuff will be at night, and one indoor location at night because that's when we can get it. I will go get some photos of Gravy tomorrow night.

I don't know how you go about shooting day for night, actually...
Avoid the bright sky, up your contrast, make it blue I think.
Of course all bets are off for street lights and things because they are off in the day obv.
Much better to shoot night for night.
Just wondering since the scout pics were at night.

[TimurCivan]

oh shoot..... MArk im feeling that Bridge spot...... Drool.......

[Mark Harris]

yeah, i gotta fin out who owns that, if it's street or MTA or whatever

[TimurCivan]

also just notivced your awesome mother Pooing Avatar.

[Alex DePew]

Hey I used to go there all the time to box at Gleason's. Really nice area. Grimaldi's is quite good. Ranks high on my top pizza list.

[TimurCivan]

Alex know s good pizza. at the end of katrina..... PIZZA PARTY!!!!

[Mark Harris]

Hurray!!!! Finally got the actual shoot dates set!!!!

[Kholi]

Can I come and play? Three-way HVX party?

[Mark Harris]

1) ewwwwww
2) I didn't know you had an HVX. What the heck do you shoot anyway? What do you do with your life, Kholi?

[Kholi]

1) ewwwwww
2) I didn't know you had an HVX. What the heck do you shoot anyway? What do you do with your life, Kholi?

I'm currently working as a Graphic Designer/illustrator in Santa Monica, CA full-time/salaried. The company deals directly with Guthy-Renker, the people who bring you Proactiv and a semi-faux testimonial by musicians such as Jessica Simpson and Sean "Puffy" Combs. (Name drop name drop). I also work as a product photographer, 3D artist (Just starting this one), animator (Macromedia Flash for seven years), and web designer.

On the side, I write and hope to--as I've new years resolved-- put out my first official short. Seeing as how the one last year fell through the floor like a fat kid in a real haunted house. I'll occasionally take my HVX outside and shoot traffic or scenery, just to keep in practice, but I'll never show anyone that footage.

I've just been inducted into a Production Company as well, and I'll be directing my first Vertical Advertisement segment (you know these as infomercials) for a small product. And then, if we're lucky, I'll be gone to a few different places to shoot some fun stuff with my HVX.

I bought my HVX say two or three months ago... PM me for the gritty details; I think I told Timur, already.

Yes, I'm at work right now.

[TimurCivan]

Kholi... lets have you come visit us... lol We're the only Team thats not importing talent.....

[Kholi]

Kholi... lets have you come visit us... lol We're the only Team thats not importing talent.....

Yeah see. That's what you need, a little pretentious back-seat directing imported from Los Angeles.

"Rule of THIRDS man rule of THIRDS!'

"Wtf don't cross the LINE!... I learned that on DVXuser."

[Mark Harris]

More location photos. I think I am going to go with #3 down on John st. It will mean some ADR for that scene though because the trains on the Manhattan bridge can be pretty loud. But I like this composition here with both bridges. Plus on the left is a red brick wall with a little alcove we can use. I hope to god it rains that day so we get those wet streets...

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2939/1168052663.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2939/1168052721.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2939/1168052759.jpg

[Mark Harris]

Lead Actors:

Lindsey Liberatore and Godfrey L. Simmons Jr.

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2939/1168054883.jpghttp://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2939/1168054636.jpg

[Tom Marshall]

Hey Mark, those photos look great!

[Alex DePew]

I hope to god it rains that day so we get those wet streets...


If not bring a wrench and a hose for the hydrant.:laugh:

[Mark Harris]

Hey Alex, I got your message, and will give you a shout back tomorrow. today was crazed with running around.

[TimurCivan]

APB on JimTheJib.... Come in JimTheJib..... We need you..... You gotta AC for me.

[Mark Harris]

send the kid a PM. I talked to him already once

[TimurCivan]

o course
:)
also despite my better senses, i bought a new Lens.... a 35mm F2. its BEAUTIFUL. this is my new Prime. Wide enough to look cool, but not telephoto enough to need to be in spain to get the shot. I did some testing mark, i lit up my room nice and bright, and lemme tell you, the HVX looks AMAZING in bright soft light.

[Mark Harris]

Been reading up in the HVX workflow section, and some other places. I think I am going to go for this solution to 1080 recording.

HDRACK->laptop->USB2 RAID (http://www.macmall.com/macmall/shop/detail.asp?dpno=753218&Redir=1)

Seems like a decent solution and will allow for swapping out later for client work...

[TimurCivan]

how much 1080P will that hing hold? like 10 hours no?

[Mark Harris]

1 T RAID 1= 500gigs mirrored=500min=8.3 hours. Man, this is getting to be like film where we have to actually care about how much time we shoot :)

But actually, I did a test last week with a 20min 1080 recording, and that came to 13.1 gigs. So it's less than 1 gig a minute.

[TimurCivan]

reallly? thats bizare, is DVCprodecoders format more efficient than MXF's?

also MArk, Raylight has a new feature where you just drop the MXFfiles directly from the p2 card directly in to vegas, nomore conversions neccesary. it makes vegas a native editor of MXF files.

[JimtheJib]

i'll be there!

[Jay Rodriguez]

Timur, ignore that PM. I forgot you were shooting this short, lol.

[Mark Harris]

i'll be there!

Cool Alex, you will likely be Timur's AC, so I told him to work it out with you. There is one date I doubt you will be able to make because we are shooting over night, and you have school I think. But Timur will get in touch with you.

[TimurCivan]

i'll be there!

NOICE!!!!!!!!!

[Beat Takeshi]

Cool the NYC gang in full effect!

[TimurCivan]

KAtrina has almost everyone on board! Were just missing Shawn!

[Mark Harris]

this one is going to ROCK THE HOUSE. Just got word that MsManhattan will be gracing us with her presence as well...

Haven't heard from Shawn in AGES...

[Jay Rodriguez]

when are you guys shooting?

[Mark Harris]

Wed Jan 17th, 10PM - night shoot
Sat Jan 20th - all day
Sun Jan 21st - evening starting about 5PM

[Jay Rodriguez]

ah, tight scheldule. Leaves only 9 days for post doesn't it? When is the due date, the 31st?

[Mark Harris]

yeah, but this one has a lot of pre-prod, and I wanted the time to get it together. It's going to be far more detailed than anything I've done before.

The big thing to get done in post is the music with Herman. But he's pretty fast and agreed to give it a go. But beyond some basic CC, there really will only be one effect to do, so the rest is edits. I think we can do it.

[Beat Takeshi]

When is the first full crew meeting?

[Mark Harris]

I will try to get some info out tomorrow or monday. I doubt there will be a full crew meeting, but the relevant people will meet up.

[TimurCivan]

Awesome. I am getting there. Dammit, i am trying to apply to gradschool WHILE drawingstoryboards, looking for a job, and doing my lighting tests....

[Mark Harris]

uh-huh, imagine how hard it would be if you had to pay rent too, like the rest of us, sucka :)

I will call you guys today to arrange a meet-up with Timur, Aram, Me, Steve. Looks like we are definitely painting the hotel room as wallpaper is cost-prohibitive. So it will be paint with some form off texture, I assume. I like the idea of a dark yellow. Going to talk to Steve today. I will be in touch about a meet-up.

[TimurCivan]

slightly greenish, dark yellow was my idea as wel :)

[TimurCivan]

uh-huh, imagine how hard it would be if you had to pay rent too, like the rest of us, sucka :)

At least you have a job.....

[Mark Harris]

I talked to Steve and he mentioned "Custard" which might be exactly it, and then some brown to speckle and texture. Steve also has the carpet, so in the end, i want him to pick the wall color. he's got the whole hotel room in his head.

Also, I am googling for velvet elvis as we speak.

Oh yeah:

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2939/1168193017.jpg

[Beat Takeshi]

yellow ocre is what its called probably in paint colors.
I have the kids Wednesday so Leslie and I are flipping a coin on who comes that night. If she gets an early meeting on another project she is working on then I will be there though.

[TimurCivan]

I talked to Steve and he mentioned "Custard" which might be exactly it, and then some brown to speckle and texture. Steve also has the carpet, so in the end, i want him to pick the wall color. he's got the whole hotel room in his head.

Also, I am googling for velvet elvis as we speak.

Oh yeah:

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2939/1168193017.jpg


Awesome. thats perfect.

[Inexistence]

I couldn't stop myself from humming the first few lines to Viva Las Vegas.

Bright light city gonna set my soul...

[TimurCivan]

maybe we can mixthat gravely stuff into the paint.

[Mark Harris]

steve said he wanted to do a wallpaper pattern - stencil it. that might be awesome. Get ready to lug a lot of heavy shit on Sunday!

[TimurCivan]

its cool i could use the work out. lol

[Paul Coleman]

Oh yeah:

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2939/1168193017.jpg

Haha! Nice. This is going to be great. :thumbup: :thumbup:

[Ted Arabian]

Wow! You guys have MsManhattan in your film? Cool. That beats planes any day!!!

So, your shoot isn't until Jan. 17th? Heck, I'll be back in New England by then. Maybe I can drop in on your set!

Good luck, guys!

[Beat Takeshi]

I was able to locate a black panther painting but no elvis. Seems to be a collectors item and really expensive.

[Mark Harris]

you an email me that too, aram, I am back at my desk now.

[TimurCivan]

sweet. I love thoes, Panther paintings.

I have a copy of an old Edward hopper painting we can hang. they are real paintings, not photocopies. i made them mysefl.

[Charli]

So, you guys like waiting till the last minute and then editing on the fly? Tim, you really like the pressure, huh?

[TimurCivan]

i thrive under pressure. thats when i do my best. IT makes my LAzy mind Focus.

[Mark Harris]

yeah, this is last minute, but this one is a lot more detailed and required a lot more pre-prod to get in shape. But it is going to rock several faces off, I'm sure. We are very proud of what's happening so far. Had rehearsals with the actors the past few days and at tomorrow night's rehearsals they will be ready to just let it fly and run it over and over till it's in their bones.

But the shoot will go great. We got the Mo-Fo crew on this bad boy.

Steve
Aram
Leslie
JimTheJib
My friend Dennis, a pro feature film sound guy
Monica from Black Watch Productions really helping us out
Martina the costume designer running her butt off to get the look I want
Jill the on set costume and make-up who will keep our stars looking their best.
Alex Depew, the MO-FO FOG-MEISTER!!!!

I am so excited about the crew on this...

And wait till you see what the Timur and Aram are cooking up for lights. It's going to be a modern noir hearkening back to an earlier era yet distinctly a look all our own.

Oh yeah, and with Herman on score, once he sees the visuals, I predict that kid's imagination is going to go off the rails.

[TimurCivan]

Dont forget Commercial Director and Pro Editor Gary Waldinger!

[Mark Harris]

ah shoot, yeah, I gotta contact him tomorrow.

Thanks!

[TimurCivan]

Dude gimme a quick buzz, we gotta sicuss something real quick about the Last scene. Does katrina use the flamethrower, before or after the airplane crashes in to "Ted" and "Mark J"'s Air bunker?

[Mark Harris]

No no no, she says: "Till hell comes for us," and slits his throat.

M

[Mark Harris]

I got the paint and the stuff to cover the walls of the set today. So tomorrow we should be able to get the base-coat on and let it dry for Thurs when we stencil and dress and light the set.

[TimurCivan]

Scweet.

[Blaine]

You guys in NY seem to do a lot of painting...:beer:

[TimurCivan]

we dont have cool Road side motels.... ss we build one goddamit. :D

[Mark Harris]

Oh yeah, timur, I made the money today too. Printed it at least. Getting it cut on Monday, and I got these $10,000 money wraps from the bank. I upped the contrast on the printed money over he real contrast though after doing some camera tests. It reads better with the greens darker and more saturated than money actually is.

[TimurCivan]

sweet. CAn we possible try to buy like... another HVX with it at Abel.?

[Mark Harris]

sure, if you have a hankerin for federal prison...

[TimurCivan]

ok Cowboy. Too bad your avatar came out mushy. the origional drawing is pretty fun.

[Mark Harris]

got your tests. I knew there was a reason I keep you around. good, two 100 watt, you say?

[TimurCivan]

Erm three. 1 100W in a clip light, 2X 150Watters, in a Y splitter off to the side. put thoes bad boys in a china ball. we will be set.

[TimurCivan]

they look nice and sharp though right? also reaoanably well exposed, and the noise even in the " origional" footage is very tolerable.

[Mark Harris]

yeah, we'll be in really good shape. this, ladies and gentlemen is what makes the kid an artist.

Went full screen with it and yeah, it looks good, I think.

[TimurCivan]

your "mailbox" on Descom is Full.

i am trying ot mail you the Storyboards.

[Alex DePew]

yeah, this is last minute, but this one is a lot more detailed and required a lot more pre-prod to get in shape. But it is going to rock several faces off, I'm sure. We are very proud of what's happening so far. Had rehearsals with the actors the past few days and at tomorrow night's rehearsals they will be ready to just let it fly and run it over and over till it's in their bones.

But the shoot will go great. We got the Mo-Fo crew on this bad boy.

Steve
Aram
Leslie
JimTheJib
My friend Dennis, a pro feature film sound guy
Monica from Black Watch Productions really helping us out
Martina the costume designer running her butt off to get the look I want
Jill the on set costume and make-up who will keep our stars looking their best.
Maybe even an appearance from Mr. Stanley - if I can keep the rest of the crew from eating him alive.

I am so excited about the crew on this...

And wait till you see what the Timur and Aram are cooking up for lights. It's going to be a modern noir hearkening back to an earlier era yet distinctly a look all our own.

Oh yeah, and with Herman on score, once he sees the visuals, I predict that kid's imagination is going to go off the rails.

Do I still need to show up?

[Mark Harris]

Do I still need to show up?\


d'oh! YES YES YES!!!! Alex Depew!

[Herman Witkam]

Oh yeah, and with Herman on score, once he sees the visuals, I predict that kid's imagination is going to go off the rails.

haha! You bet :D

[TimurCivan]

Ok.... Set built. Been awake for 21 hours. The flats are up, next up painting treatments, art director steps in, dresses the set, I light, i shoot. mark does his Directory thing. You all get to enjoy. :)

[Mark Harris]

Steve and Timur did a great job of getting the set together while I ran off to a rehearsal:

Here's a little tease:
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2939/1168879172.jpg

Thurs night we paint and Friday we detail, dress the set and pre-light for the shoot on Sat.

M

[Norm Sanders]

Mark, GREAT looking set so far! Ryan really impressed me with what he did in his short with his garage set up ... it's amazing with some lights behind a window, set dressing, etc. how you can make anything from nothing.

I know Katrina's going to rock ... already love the style just from the poster/banner alone. :)

[TimurCivan]

katrina will be awesome. Just yous wait. :)

[TimurCivan]

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2750/1168979785.jpg

Quick lighting test. w/ SGpro 35mm adapter, 24mm F2.8 and my special "light gun" invention.

[Jason Ramsey]

Now that is a pretty grab.

Jason

[Ted Arabian]

Nice.

And I love the set photo. (gulp! 2 ladders!!!)

Also, Timur... I received my painting! Sweet! Thanks again!

Best of luck. Looking forward to your film!

-Ted

[TimurCivan]

:)

glad you liked it.

[TimurCivan]

Now that is a pretty grab.

Jason


yea i totally found magic settings.... Look at how pretty the texture is, it looks like S16mm when it's moving.

[Brandon Rice]

Beautiful grab Timur! Just perfect.

[Jason Ramsey]

And just what were those magic settings? Inquiring minds want to know :thumbsup:

Jason

[TimurCivan]

super secret sorry.... :Drogar-Evil(DBG):

[TimurCivan]

Nice.

And I love the set photo. (gulp! 2 ladders!!!)


-Ted


well we might be shooting two cameras.....

[Mark Harris]

And just what were those magic settings? Inquiring minds want to know :thumbsup:

Jason

He's taking that shit to his GRAVE!!!!

I cannot wait to make this film. Timur's on FIRE with lighting ju-ju and new techniques. Add to that the lighting Ninja, Aram Bauman, and it's going to be a really sweet looking picture.

but I get to hold the gun...:)

[TimurCivan]

hehe, i have my secret ways.

I am looking forward to making this film look like a piece of art.

[Mark Harris]

saw the costumes fitted tonight. WAIT till you guys see Lindsey. Hubba-hubba!!!

tomorrow night, first shoot!!!!! had drinks at Gravy tonight, Timur. Super excited about how it's going to look in there too.

[Mark Harris]

Duuuuuuuuude, how did you get that inky black? I thought the HVX was all noisy and shit...:)



http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2750/1168979785.jpg

Quick lighting test. w/ SGpro 35mm adapter, 24mm F2.8 and my special "light gun" invention.

[TimurCivan]

:) magic.

[Alex DePew]

Timur CRUSH blacks like Hulk.

[Mark Harris]

Timur CRUSH blacks like Hulk.

Alex, I only want you to remember one thing:

SMOKE IT UP!

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

this film willl smoke on it's own

I may have to ask Mark for some off line footy - don't know if I can wait until the fest without a taste of this one.

[Mark Harris]

first shoot tonight, over night shoot at a restaurant in bklyn, so there will be grabs for all tomorrow!

[Mark Harris]

Man, come Sunday night, all I got to say is Aram better put some antifreeze in that bionic pelvis of his, cause we are going to freeze our Cajones off...

[TimurCivan]

"Timur Crush blacks like hulk" makes me sound like a racist. Apologize De pew....

Apologize now!!!

[Mark Harris]

Couple of props:
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2939/1169069850.jpg

[TimurCivan]

sweet.

[Alex DePew]

"Timur Crush blacks like hulk" makes me sound like a racist. Apologize De pew....

Apologize now!!!

Or what you crush me too? You don't scare me! Damn racist.*




*Timur is not in fact a racist. He just hates people.

[Geoff_R]

Mark, is that fake money (it looks super white) or are you using 100 singles with a $100 on top and the 10k band?

[TimurCivan]

*Timur is not in fact a racist. He just hates people.

I do not hate people! i like people... i used to hate people but then i grew up...

[Matt Sconce]

I do not hate people! i like people... i used to hate people but then i grew up...


Haha

I cannot wait for this movie!

[Ted Arabian]

Oh, man... I want to be on this team next fest!

Looking forward to the grabs!

Good luck.

[TimurCivan]

OMFG. its 7:19 am. i just got home from day 1 of shoot.

You guys arent going to believe this when its done. MArk will post grabs. :evil:

[Jason Ramsey]

Well post 'em. I'm sitting here at work. I wanna see something.

Jason

[TimurCivan]

mark has footage. :( not me......

[TimurCivan]

nite ya'll i am mad tired.

[MsManhattan]

It was a great first night of shooting. I'm going to collapse as soon as I take Aram to work, but it was worth it -- fine work, everyone!

[Mark Harris]

I really cannot thank you guys enough for making this happen. it was a grueling night, and everyone really did their jobs well, despite me and MsMahattan yelling at them to hurry. Seriously, all of you, JimtheJib, MsManhattan, Aram - A TRUE LIGHTING GOD - Timur, Alex Depew, Steve, Jill - who am I forgetting - the actors, Godfrey, Lindsey and Brandon.

And it did indeed pay off. Behold the first grabs:
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2939/1169124600.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2939/1169124619.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2939/1169124636.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2939/1169124962.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/2939/1169125313.jpg

[Herman Witkam]

Great looking grabs!

[Ted Arabian]

WOW! Guys, this looks great!!!!!!!

I am so excited to see your flick!