"Corrado" - A production blog
- Thread starter taormina
- Start date
- Status
Mark Johnson
The Dude Abides
On the Corrado Set
On the Corrado Set
Adam graciously invited Fat Monster to the set today. The crew was shooting at the Gower Lofts in Hollywood where the Monster has shot several music videos. It was an incredible experience and we were so grateful for the opportunity to see Adam's vision coming to life.
Our man Luis is operating the "B" camera with, of course, his LS Design monitor (which is amazing and truly our favorite for production work .
To see Adam working with Tom Sizemore was almost surreal. I truly hope Adam writes a full journal-based book from this experience.
On the Corrado Set
Adam graciously invited Fat Monster to the set today. The crew was shooting at the Gower Lofts in Hollywood where the Monster has shot several music videos. It was an incredible experience and we were so grateful for the opportunity to see Adam's vision coming to life.
Our man Luis is operating the "B" camera with, of course, his LS Design monitor (which is amazing and truly our favorite for production work .
To see Adam working with Tom Sizemore was almost surreal. I truly hope Adam writes a full journal-based book from this experience.
Mark Johnson
The Dude Abides
A couple More Pics
A couple More Pics
A couple More Pics
Neal Buconjic
Well-known member
Thanks for tossing us a bone Mark, while we wait for updates!
Mark Johnson
The Dude Abides
More BTS Pics from the Corrado Set
More BTS Pics from the Corrado Set
Rather than burden the thread here with more pics I'll just post this link to the photo page on our site where I've posted more pics from our visit to Adam's set today:
More BTS Pics from the Corrado Set
Rather than burden the thread here with more pics I'll just post this link to the photo page on our site where I've posted more pics from our visit to Adam's set today:
taormina
Hates to Rent
Tomorrow is a day off. What can I say about the last week except for....whew!
Anyone who has been to the set knows what it's like. My crew rocks. We are on schedule as of today. Mainly working 12s, although we did hit 14 hours one day. More or less all is going well. Action takes way longer than dialog. Luis has been an invaluable help to the production by lending his time, equipment, and knowledge. Luis has operated many of the B cam shots. Thanks to Matty G for the cam rental.
Tom Sizemore
We wrapped him today - five days of him. What can I say about him - he's an amazing actor. He's a great person, clean, sober for the better part of a year. He's sensitive, funny, and veeeeery generous with his time and energy. He gave us a day for free when we fell behind. Free! He loves the movie - really believes in it. And he's really brought it alive.
I'm privileged to call Tom a friend. We talk, play games, heckle each other, and share stories. He's a hell of a guy.
He's not at all easy to work with. Mostly, he adheres to the lines. He adds or subtracts as he sees fit, and there's no way of controlling him. And you don't want to - he adds personality to the character.
He's a veteran of 82 films by his own admission. He sometimes likes to call camera angles, or tell other actors what to do, and he can run amok, but he always comes around.
You don't really tell him what to do or direct him too strongly - I simply do not have that level of control over him. A couple times we've had a little showdown, but it usually ends in me backing down and letting him do what he wants. Then he'll come back two minutes later, I'll call him a dick and and asshole and he'll give me a hug and it will all be better.
He is not a diva by any means. Still, the crew are invisible to him. He only speaks with me, and only the actors he likes. Within the first two seconds of meeting you he will decide whether he likes you or not and go from there. What else would you expect from an actor who is close personal friends with deniro and nicholson.
Tom Sizemore is a phenomenon - an idea. He's very much larger than life.....and while I've been to his house and out places with him, I didn't really bond with him until our time on set - 12-14 hours per day does that to you!
I respect and admire him dearly. He is a true friend.
What else:
We are making pretty pictures. The footage is awesome. The story is tight. Distributors are calling. CNN has been there twice and will be there a third time. Movie #2 is in the air.
I'm selling everything after I do this flick
Why?????/ Doesn't it go against everything I 've said? Yes and no My equipment is not up to par for the next movie. I suppose you can just get more of it, but I need way bigger lights, a fisher dolly, you know, real pro stuff.
The HVX does great but it really is a prosumer cam and woefully inadequate in the ergonomics department. My sticks are not pro quality. I guess what I am saying is that to make the next movie, I need professional grade gear.
We're compromising our shoot because of equipment right now. My Rowe Cinedolly is pretty smooth but not rock solid. It's not fisher. My Basson Steadicam is okay but isn't pro grade.
I need better tools to make a bigger movie - Notice I didn't say a better movie - just a bigger one. Pro crews demand pro tools or else they just complain and work slower.
So after this the grip truck and lights, camera, and steadi rig go on the block. My next movie will be too big to use that stuff.
More updates to come as soon as I rest.
Anyone who has been to the set knows what it's like. My crew rocks. We are on schedule as of today. Mainly working 12s, although we did hit 14 hours one day. More or less all is going well. Action takes way longer than dialog. Luis has been an invaluable help to the production by lending his time, equipment, and knowledge. Luis has operated many of the B cam shots. Thanks to Matty G for the cam rental.
Tom Sizemore
We wrapped him today - five days of him. What can I say about him - he's an amazing actor. He's a great person, clean, sober for the better part of a year. He's sensitive, funny, and veeeeery generous with his time and energy. He gave us a day for free when we fell behind. Free! He loves the movie - really believes in it. And he's really brought it alive.
I'm privileged to call Tom a friend. We talk, play games, heckle each other, and share stories. He's a hell of a guy.
He's not at all easy to work with. Mostly, he adheres to the lines. He adds or subtracts as he sees fit, and there's no way of controlling him. And you don't want to - he adds personality to the character.
He's a veteran of 82 films by his own admission. He sometimes likes to call camera angles, or tell other actors what to do, and he can run amok, but he always comes around.
You don't really tell him what to do or direct him too strongly - I simply do not have that level of control over him. A couple times we've had a little showdown, but it usually ends in me backing down and letting him do what he wants. Then he'll come back two minutes later, I'll call him a dick and and asshole and he'll give me a hug and it will all be better.
He is not a diva by any means. Still, the crew are invisible to him. He only speaks with me, and only the actors he likes. Within the first two seconds of meeting you he will decide whether he likes you or not and go from there. What else would you expect from an actor who is close personal friends with deniro and nicholson.
Tom Sizemore is a phenomenon - an idea. He's very much larger than life.....and while I've been to his house and out places with him, I didn't really bond with him until our time on set - 12-14 hours per day does that to you!
I respect and admire him dearly. He is a true friend.
What else:
We are making pretty pictures. The footage is awesome. The story is tight. Distributors are calling. CNN has been there twice and will be there a third time. Movie #2 is in the air.
I'm selling everything after I do this flick
Why?????/ Doesn't it go against everything I 've said? Yes and no My equipment is not up to par for the next movie. I suppose you can just get more of it, but I need way bigger lights, a fisher dolly, you know, real pro stuff.
The HVX does great but it really is a prosumer cam and woefully inadequate in the ergonomics department. My sticks are not pro quality. I guess what I am saying is that to make the next movie, I need professional grade gear.
We're compromising our shoot because of equipment right now. My Rowe Cinedolly is pretty smooth but not rock solid. It's not fisher. My Basson Steadicam is okay but isn't pro grade.
I need better tools to make a bigger movie - Notice I didn't say a better movie - just a bigger one. Pro crews demand pro tools or else they just complain and work slower.
So after this the grip truck and lights, camera, and steadi rig go on the block. My next movie will be too big to use that stuff.
More updates to come as soon as I rest.
SonicStates
Well-known member
The lot of you ROCK!
Like I said, you heard it here first. :B That man's an Iron Workhorse. Wait til you meet the new guy WE just met: Zeus. WHOA buddy!
Keep Rockin' on. I read just today in the DGA Monthly that the second you let your actors run things you're in deep shizzle. Maybe that's not true at all times. Maybe it won't prove true here?
You also need a bigger crew to make a bigger movie. So, with larger tools comes larger crews comes larger budget. But you knew that!
I can sure guess what kinda compromises you have to deal with on set shooting with the slower HVX200 + Adapter setup. Makes me even happier that I scored my 200A.
There're big movies being helmed on "small equipment" all year long, maybe you'll just have to upgrade a few things, when you sell your movie CORRADO you may be able to just snag those things and head on to the next flick.
Keep pushin'! And tell Luis to grab me some donuts.
taormina
Hates to Rent
Kholi,
I mean a huge upgrade like a D20 / varicam / HPX3000 / F23 type cam. Going to a 200a is not in the cards - I need a serious camera that unfortunately would need to be rented. To many compromises with prosumer cams like the HVX.
Can it be done??? Sure- I am doing it, but I could do better.
I mean a huge upgrade like a D20 / varicam / HPX3000 / F23 type cam. Going to a 200a is not in the cards - I need a serious camera that unfortunately would need to be rented. To many compromises with prosumer cams like the HVX.
Can it be done??? Sure- I am doing it, but I could do better.
Oh, nah! I get what you're saying! With all those larger cameras comes a larger crew, but you already said you were planning a big ol' movie so hells to the yeah.
:B By the way, F23/F35 stomps all of those, with Genesis coming in second. weeee
Edit: Hey, actually, will you talk about the limitations and compromises that you've had so far with your current equipment setup? That'll be some great info for those looking to shoot long format projects with the same sort of gear.
Brandon Rice
Distributed Producer
I'm curious as well, since we just shot a feature with an HVX/Adapter setup.
Jeff Anderson
Custom Title!
This is all just fascinating. Working with Sizemore sounds like a challenge and a pleasure all at the same time. Very cool. Interesting to hear your thoughts on equipment. I agree with whoever said this needs to be a book. The Corrado memoirs would sell.
I tell you, wrapping out a key actor is a major milestone on a feature. Congratulations on the progress so far.
The tools are the tools and the HVX200 is what it is. As we discussed before, the HVX can eek out some great images, but it would've been a hell of a lot easier with a professional camera - the HPX500 would have been my A-CAM choice based on your budget, with HVX200 playing B-CAM.
At any rate, keep up the good work - be careful out there toward the end of those 12s and 14s!
e
The tools are the tools and the HVX200 is what it is. As we discussed before, the HVX can eek out some great images, but it would've been a hell of a lot easier with a professional camera - the HPX500 would have been my A-CAM choice based on your budget, with HVX200 playing B-CAM.
At any rate, keep up the good work - be careful out there toward the end of those 12s and 14s!
e
siniarch
Veteran
Hi Everybody,
Just wanted to chime in here for a sec and not take too much attention away from the purpose of this thread. (sharing information of how one DVXuser "Adam", is getting his dream accomplished)
(In no particular order)
First of all, Adam is Super Cool. But I knew that before meeting him. So thank you so so so much for the opportunity to help. This is an amazing experience for me, and I am so honored and grateful to be part of this project.
Second, thank you so much Kholi for all your kind words. It has been a pleasure and again, an honor to work with you.
Third, Thanks to the Fat Monster Crew. Mark and Tim have been an inspiration to me, as much as Adam has been. Those guys rock.
Last but not least. Thanks Matty for saving my ass when I forgot some stuff at home and he drove it to me, for the Camera and for all your support.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now for everyone else, just a little of information that I've been gathering.
As some of you know, I have been doing some indie stuff and have done many of the necessary required tasks. (boom op, camera op, direct, grip, etc...) But on Adam's shoot, most of these guys come from the Film World. So I wanted to explain how different things are.
I'm used to grabbing a camera on sticks on one hand, and 3 sandbags on the other. I mean, we are used to shoot and do whatever it takes to get the shot quickly and cheaply.
On Corrado, its a little different. Its more specialized, as I assume bigger budget shoots are. One guys does one thing, and doesn't help out other departments as much. They are responsible for so much more than in a no budget film. If you are a camera op, then stay with your camera. No setting up lights, no helping with loading, and unloading, etc... For someone that wants to do everything in my power to help, it can become frustrating at times. But I understand where it comes from. If the camera falls, then the shoot is off, and all the money that you are spending that day is wasted.
There are also the little different ways of working. I mean small stuff that these guys are used to. Like leaving the caps of the lenses in the lens box, Sandbagging the right side of the camera so as not to interfere with the AC. Stuff that on an indie when you are stealing a location or have no AC or no big crew is either not needed, or is not enforced.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As for Adam Directing, I can see how difficult his job is. The fact that he is wearing so many hats must be daunting. And dealing with such big talent when one is green is also an issue. But I must say that he is rising to the occasion. Like he mentioned, letting the actors do their thing when they are adamant about something, but fighting for his vision when he feels its important. So, congratulations Adam for having an understanding of what things you can let go of, and what is important towards the vision of your film.
Once again, thank you and its been a pleasure so far!!!! Get some rest and see you sat.
Just wanted to chime in here for a sec and not take too much attention away from the purpose of this thread. (sharing information of how one DVXuser "Adam", is getting his dream accomplished)
(In no particular order)
First of all, Adam is Super Cool. But I knew that before meeting him. So thank you so so so much for the opportunity to help. This is an amazing experience for me, and I am so honored and grateful to be part of this project.
Second, thank you so much Kholi for all your kind words. It has been a pleasure and again, an honor to work with you.
Third, Thanks to the Fat Monster Crew. Mark and Tim have been an inspiration to me, as much as Adam has been. Those guys rock.
Last but not least. Thanks Matty for saving my ass when I forgot some stuff at home and he drove it to me, for the Camera and for all your support.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now for everyone else, just a little of information that I've been gathering.
As some of you know, I have been doing some indie stuff and have done many of the necessary required tasks. (boom op, camera op, direct, grip, etc...) But on Adam's shoot, most of these guys come from the Film World. So I wanted to explain how different things are.
I'm used to grabbing a camera on sticks on one hand, and 3 sandbags on the other. I mean, we are used to shoot and do whatever it takes to get the shot quickly and cheaply.
On Corrado, its a little different. Its more specialized, as I assume bigger budget shoots are. One guys does one thing, and doesn't help out other departments as much. They are responsible for so much more than in a no budget film. If you are a camera op, then stay with your camera. No setting up lights, no helping with loading, and unloading, etc... For someone that wants to do everything in my power to help, it can become frustrating at times. But I understand where it comes from. If the camera falls, then the shoot is off, and all the money that you are spending that day is wasted.
There are also the little different ways of working. I mean small stuff that these guys are used to. Like leaving the caps of the lenses in the lens box, Sandbagging the right side of the camera so as not to interfere with the AC. Stuff that on an indie when you are stealing a location or have no AC or no big crew is either not needed, or is not enforced.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As for Adam Directing, I can see how difficult his job is. The fact that he is wearing so many hats must be daunting. And dealing with such big talent when one is green is also an issue. But I must say that he is rising to the occasion. Like he mentioned, letting the actors do their thing when they are adamant about something, but fighting for his vision when he feels its important. So, congratulations Adam for having an understanding of what things you can let go of, and what is important towards the vision of your film.
Once again, thank you and its been a pleasure so far!!!! Get some rest and see you sat.
smashedburrito
Well-known member
Congrats on wrapping Tom. Also these pictures are great. I love this thread and I already can't wait to hear about your next project.
Mark Johnson
The Dude Abides
Luis, you better not think those rules apply on our shoots now .....
taormina
Hates to Rent
-Only 2 xlrs
-impossible to handhold - marginally OK with a handhold rig
-non-industry standard batteries
-no HD-SDI
-fixed lens
- no good spot to mount transmitters
- horrible component out cable connection.
I could go on and on but Erik is right - an HPX500 would've been better and more like what the crew is used to working on.
I like the HVX alot but I feel like I am crossing the atlantic in a rowboat - feels a little underequipped.
The CNN guy is covering everything with an F350 that has a professional form factor, real batteries, a bank of transmitters on the back, and industry standard connectors. It looks like a real camera.
This really boils down to what the crew wants and expects.
Slimothy
Veteran
I really have to thank Adam for letting the monsters come and hang on his set yesterday. This thread is so awesome, it's pretty much one step away from being on set. I've learned a lot from this thread, but man I learned even more from making the trip. I know it's not practical to be able to let everyone on set so I'll try and give a bit of a summary.
First off - Adam is one friggin cool dude. I have to admit, I wasn't sure what to expect. We've all been in those situations where you feel like you're in the way or you feel some what out of place etc. That just was not the case on Adam's set. I could tell he had A LOT of sh*t on his mind, but he really kept his cool and did a great job running the crew, getting his shots and really made us feel at home. I was just blown away with his attitude. It was awesome to see the camaraderie between him and Tom Sizemore. Tom as expected is very intense and very imposing. You can tell he takes his sh*t seriously. Adam gave a really good summation of Tom and I seriously learned SO much from watching Adam and Tom work together. The other actors, of course were great as well. Everyone seemed to care and to be putting in the extra mile.
The crew: As Luis said, it's sort of a different animal than what the typical guerilla guys are used to, but it was effective nonetheless. The DP was getting some awesome shots, the grips were working hard, etc. Everyone just seemed to be ready to do their jobs, which is rare from what I've seen on some other slightly bigger sets.
It was really awesome seeing Luis in there mixing it up. As a lot of you know, he's like a damn buck tool-you can yell for something like "cherry flavored bowling ball!" then you'll hear some guatemalan guy: "got it!" It's Luis. I was really stoked to see him operating yesterday and really doing a good job. Not to take away from the other crew because everyone was on point, but since this is dvxuser I wanted to point out how much I've seen this guy grow. He'll do anything, anytime, and when he's done, you'll want to have his baby.
Sorry for the long note, but I wanted to let you know how our experience went. Thanks so much Adam for having us and can't wait to see the product.
First off - Adam is one friggin cool dude. I have to admit, I wasn't sure what to expect. We've all been in those situations where you feel like you're in the way or you feel some what out of place etc. That just was not the case on Adam's set. I could tell he had A LOT of sh*t on his mind, but he really kept his cool and did a great job running the crew, getting his shots and really made us feel at home. I was just blown away with his attitude. It was awesome to see the camaraderie between him and Tom Sizemore. Tom as expected is very intense and very imposing. You can tell he takes his sh*t seriously. Adam gave a really good summation of Tom and I seriously learned SO much from watching Adam and Tom work together. The other actors, of course were great as well. Everyone seemed to care and to be putting in the extra mile.
The crew: As Luis said, it's sort of a different animal than what the typical guerilla guys are used to, but it was effective nonetheless. The DP was getting some awesome shots, the grips were working hard, etc. Everyone just seemed to be ready to do their jobs, which is rare from what I've seen on some other slightly bigger sets.
It was really awesome seeing Luis in there mixing it up. As a lot of you know, he's like a damn buck tool-you can yell for something like "cherry flavored bowling ball!" then you'll hear some guatemalan guy: "got it!" It's Luis. I was really stoked to see him operating yesterday and really doing a good job. Not to take away from the other crew because everyone was on point, but since this is dvxuser I wanted to point out how much I've seen this guy grow. He'll do anything, anytime, and when he's done, you'll want to have his baby.
Sorry for the long note, but I wanted to let you know how our experience went. Thanks so much Adam for having us and can't wait to see the product.
Alright you all... back off of Luis. =\ He's my friend, not yours.
I totally get what you're saying. ARe you running your sound into the HVX? As in no dedicated sound guy?
I totally get what you're saying. ARe you running your sound into the HVX? As in no dedicated sound guy?
- Status