Mendo Geo (working title)

[dory_breaux]

This film has gone from a school project to a no-budget documentary on the local geography of the Mendocino Coast. The narration is interview bassed, so it will have a very documentary fell to it. We have some amazing geology here, and hopefully it will turn out good.

We have about a week and a half to shoot it, edit it, do the CG that will be required (already started work on that), grade/finish it and get it on air on the local public access station. Were also considering selling it at some of the local gift shops/park service locations.

Crew:
Narrated by Elias Steinbuck

Director/Cameraman: Dory Breaux
Producer/Photographer: Denice Breaux
Best boy, 1st AC, mic/boom op, secondarry photographer, knokaround guy: Rowin Breaux
Edited by: Dory and Denice Breaux
CG/CC: Dory Breaux

As you can see, its mostly jsut me and my mom working on it, we've teamed up on other stuff before, and since she is a great photographer and is pretty "together", I figured that she'd be the best person to do what I couldnt. My little (10) yearold brother may be lending a hand here and there too. Obviously there's other people involved, but thats the main crew.

We have yet to clear it for to make sell, but hopefully we'll turn a little profit.

Thanks,
Dory

 

[dory_breaux]

BTS, Grabs, Reports and Other Fun Stuff

June 2nd; first shoot

Today went down insanely well. It was as close to a prefect shoot as I have ever gotten. The light cooperated, we had an AWESOME location, the wind wasn't TOO bad, not a ton of traffic on the highway, all the equipment was working, Elias is REALLY easy to work with, nothing went wrong... infact, the only problem is that there was a bit of obnoxious horn-honkers on the highway that was a bit closer then ideal to our location. But all in all, I'd say it was a 90/100 score.

BTS and grabs, no collor correction as of yet.

 

[dory_breaux]

bumb for grabs

 

[Jeff Anderson]

Grabs look good Dory. I like the composition and that you staged them there with the geology as the background. My only thoughts on the grabs is that the subject doesnt really pop from the background. Seems to more in what I think are the photos vs the video grabs. I'd imagine a little CC work would remedy alot of that though.

My other thought is that your mic is way away from your subject. If there is any budget possible at all I'd get a stationary boom stand pronto. I've got one of these and love it for sit down interviews. For really wide shots you can clamp a boom pole to its arm and get some great extension. For mediums and closer though the arm itself has plenty of reach. Just make sure to sandbag it well so it doesnt fall on your talent or something terrible.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...tto_420CSUNS_Boom_Stand_Convertible_with.html

Really cool you are working with your mom on this. I work with my dad everyday and its been a great bonding and learning experience for both of us. Always nice to have someone on your crew you know you can trust too. Good luck with this and keep the updates coming.

 

[dory_breaux]

I agree, he doesnt pop out enough as it is. Once I get into the CC phase tho, that'll all change.

I thought the mic would be too far away too, but I was shocked when I was checking the sound pre-roll and it sounded really good. Or, he did anyway. That wonderfull background echoed alot of the highway and background noise. But it'll be fine.

Thanks for the kind words!

 

[Jeff Anderson]

Hey if it sounds good then it sounds good I know ideal is far from always doable with budget or other constraints.

Whats the story on the geology/geography in the area? I dont know much about it at all. Looks really pretty though!

One more thought and its just a tiny thing - make sure that your chair doesnt squeak. Just ran into this myself last week when using a folding chair. A little wd-40 or some wax on any wood joints can make life a little easier. Its now part of my interview kit.