Undercrank smear - DVXuser.com -- The online community for filmmaking

BradFu · 01-10-2007, 06:53 PM

Hiya,

I'm sitting here with an HVX rental in my lap as I type this. I've gone through and tried some variable frame shooting at both ends of the spectrum, 12 frames, and then 60 frames.

side note: I was shooting in a completely dark bedroom with a red lightsaber for a better contrast. Blinds and windows open. I'd pay cash to see the look on my neighbors' faces.

Anyway, I played it back on the big screen HDTV, and it looks great, both in fast motion, and then slow motion. Smooth as silk. But my real question is this: How do you get that fast motion "smear"?

As an example, if you watch Spike TV, there's a promo that runs in about every other commercial break for the "Late Night Strip". I'm guessing they put a Varicam or something else on top of a car, then drove down the Vegas strip. The result is fantastic. Or for another example, I've watched Madonna's "Ray of Light" video more than a few times. I'm thinking that whole video is an example of undercranking, but I don't know how they do it to get that effect: The stretching and smearing of taillights or people crossing the street.

Anyone accomplish this? Or should I just go back to my room with my lightsaber?

: )

THoff · 01-10-2007, 07:04 PM

For extra smear, you might want even slower frame rates, super-slow shutter speeds that match your frame rate, or do a motion blur in post.

Also have a look at this thread:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=543128

BradFu · 01-10-2007, 07:12 PM

Thanks for the quick reply!

DC mentions this: PRIVATE\MEIGROUP\PAVCN\SBG\P2SD. I've never heard of it but I'll search for it.

Cheers,

-b

BradFu · 01-10-2007, 07:24 PM

PRIVATE\MEIGROUP\PAVCN\SBG\P2SD

DC, are you out there?

Anyone know how to get to this step?

ozduc · 01-10-2007, 07:33 PM

I think the effect you are looking for is probably done more with timelapse than undercranking.

Barry_Green · 01-10-2007, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BradFu

PRIVATE\MEIGROUP\PAVCN\SBG\P2SD

DC, are you out there?

Anyone know how to get to this step?

That's the directory on the SD card where the scene files are stored. That's where you edit the scene file to tell it to go to FRAME RATE: 1 (for 2 fps).

BradFu · 01-15-2007, 02:04 PM

Hey Barry, thanks again for the help.

I have yet another question about this process: I edited the scene files on the card, manipulating the frame rate according to the values you provided, but I'm a little fuzzy on the previous posts stating that, once your card is loaded, and you try to change the scene file menus, the camera snaps back to default. For instance, can I keep this extra low frame rate intact while I go through and change, say 'chroma phase' or other major changes?

Thanks again!

Barry_Green · 01-15-2007, 02:22 PM

Yes, change anything you want but if you change the frame rate it'll snap back to an "approved" rate rather than your custom rate.

BradFu · 01-15-2007, 02:28 PM

Man, you're quick. Thanks!

Alexa says 'hi'.

DC · 01-15-2007, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BradFu

PRIVATE\MEIGROUP\PAVCN\SBG\P2SD

DC, are you out there?

Anyone know how to get to this step?

Whoops, yep . . . I'm here. Sorry.

What Barry said is ace. I updated those instructions to help make the process a little clearer.

01-10-2007, 06:53 PM	#1
BradFu Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: x0\|SanJose\|USA\|\|0\|0\|CA,California Posts: 170	Undercrank smear Hiya, I'm sitting here with an HVX rental in my lap as I type this. I've gone through and tried some variable frame shooting at both ends of the spectrum, 12 frames, and then 60 frames. side note: I was shooting in a completely dark bedroom with a red lightsaber for a better contrast. Blinds and windows open. I'd pay cash to see the look on my neighbors' faces. Anyway, I played it back on the big screen HDTV, and it looks great, both in fast motion, and then slow motion. Smooth as silk. But my real question is this: How do you get that fast motion "smear"? As an example, if you watch Spike TV, there's a promo that runs in about every other commercial break for the "Late Night Strip". I'm guessing they put a Varicam or something else on top of a car, then drove down the Vegas strip. The result is fantastic. Or for another example, I've watched Madonna's "Ray of Light" video more than a few times. I'm thinking that whole video is an example of undercranking, but I don't know how they do it to get that effect: The stretching and smearing of taillights or people crossing the street. Anyone accomplish this? Or should I just go back to my room with my lightsaber? : )

01-15-2007, 02:22 PM	#8
Barry_Green Moderator Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 38,953	Yes, change anything you want but if you change the frame rate it'll snap back to an "approved" rate rather than your custom rate. __________________ .... The HMC Book The HMC150 Book The HVX Book The DVX Book HVX BootCamp DVD Sound For Film & TV

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01-10-2007, 07:04 PM	#2
THoff Member With Answers Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Santa Monica, CA / USA Posts: 3,770	For extra smear, you might want even slower frame rates, super-slow shutter speeds that match your frame rate, or do a motion blur in post. Also have a look at this thread: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=543128

01-10-2007, 07:12 PM	#3
BradFu Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: x0\|SanJose\|USA\|\|0\|0\|CA,California Posts: 170	Thanks for the quick reply! DC mentions this: PRIVATE\MEIGROUP\PAVCN\SBG\P2SD. I've never heard of it but I'll search for it. Cheers, -b

01-10-2007, 07:24 PM	#4
BradFu Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: x0\|SanJose\|USA\|\|0\|0\|CA,California Posts: 170	PRIVATE\MEIGROUP\PAVCN\SBG\P2SD DC, are you out there? Anyone know how to get to this step?

01-10-2007, 07:33 PM	#5
ozduc Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 939	I think the effect you are looking for is probably done more with timelapse than undercranking.

01-15-2007, 02:04 PM	#7
BradFu Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: x0\|SanJose\|USA\|\|0\|0\|CA,California Posts: 170	Hey Barry, thanks again for the help. I have yet another question about this process: I edited the scene files on the card, manipulating the frame rate according to the values you provided, but I'm a little fuzzy on the previous posts stating that, once your card is loaded, and you try to change the scene file menus, the camera snaps back to default. For instance, can I keep this extra low frame rate intact while I go through and change, say 'chroma phase' or other major changes? Thanks again!

01-15-2007, 02:28 PM	#9
BradFu Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: x0\|SanJose\|USA\|\|0\|0\|CA,California Posts: 170	Man, you're quick. Thanks! Alexa says 'hi'.