Tuesday, November 25, 2008

PLEASE NOOOOOO

Okay so this may be the worst thing. Production value no! He is reading off a prompter and I really wonder if he knows what is going on with the digital transition. Did he "partner" with them or did they pay him. Talk about a bad choice for a spokesperson. I shouldn't post, but it just is so bad to not.

iTunes losing DRM?

So I was reading my news feed tonight and came across this post in regards to iTunes and DRM. It looks like the record labels may be finally allowing Apple to sell their songs without the blasted DRM that causes so much frustration when moving the files. I have gone in and checked my songs and was greeted with the the following screen.

So maybe we can cross DRM off for good on iTunes? I certainly hope so.

Monday, November 24, 2008

BendFilm Press Release

I realized I never did post this so for your enjoyment... or maybe shameless self promotion.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact: JoAnn Hand, Pinnacle Media (541) 633-7476

BENDFILM WORKS WITH PINNACLE MEDIA ON NEW DIGITAL SCREENING
Pinnacle Media Enhances Viewing Experience for Bendfilm Attendees

(Bend, Oregon) BendFilm recently announced a unique partnership with local film production company Pinnacle Media to offer the for all films shown during the upcoming festival. This technology will significantly enhance the viewing experience for all moviegoers.

Putting BendFilm ahead of the curve, this partnership is also particularly timely as digital theaters are a growing national trend supported by an October 1, 2008, announcement by five major studios – Fox, Disney, Paramount, Universal and Lionsgate – to transition to digital theaters across the U.S.

Specifically for the 2008 BendFilm Festival, Pinnacle created a digital system that allows high definition playback as well as digital playback of standard definition films to vastly improve the overall viewing experience.

“We’ve spent the last few months testing and re-testing the system to ensure it will withstand the rigors of a four-day festival,” says Matt Hand, Pinnacle’s Media Head. “We worked locally with Regal Cinemas – one of the national partners in the digital cinema transition – to ensure the playback will be seamless.”

In addition to testing work with Regal, Pinnacle designed the playback system to work with the editing systems that are in use by the majority of independent film editors. To save time and money, filmmakers can also send their films directly to Pinnacle in their native digital format. Approximately a quarter of the filmmakers have already taken advantage of this service and Hand expects more to do so in the days ahead.

“Why not bring the newest, in-demand technology to Bend right now?” says Hand. “Video and film production is the heart and soul of what we do at Pinnacle, and I am so excited that we will have the best quality possible at our own festival.”

With over 15 years experience in Central Oregon, Pinnacle specializes in work that gets results. From one-camera documentaries to multi-camera, complex productions, Pinnacle provides guidance, creativity and solutions in partnership with small and large businesses.

For more information, call (541) 633-7476 or check out www.pinnaclemediainc.com

# # #

Link to the pdf is here

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Better presentations... PLEASE!

Seth Godin has a great rant the other day about presentations. He is really very correct. As a person who hates bad presentation it is important that you take the time and energy to make your impressions remarkable. Rehearse and then do it again. Always make sure you know what the venue is like or hopefully they have someone that can help you when you get there. Just make it worthwhile.

Monday, November 17, 2008

MBSEF Schlorship Video

Here is a piece we just did for MBSEF to raise awareness on the benefits of donating to their scholarship program.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Production in the video world is changing

I am really excited because I think that the new crop of DSLR "Video Cameras" is changing the way we look at video. While RED did it a couple of years ago we are seeing Canon and Nikon adopt this thinking.

Here is a new clip from AkiHabra News


While the video could definitely benefit from the use of a tripod for some shots the imagery is absolutely stunning. The list of lenses used is at the link above.

Also this post from the RedUser.net Recon-
"We are so excited that we can hardly stand it. The whole RED team has been working more than I could have ever imagined on this. Probably because we are so motivated by the program.

We listened. We have found ways to do what many dared to dream. I am sure that some of the requests will not be met. We just cannot deliver things that are not possible. But we are going to announce things that some wished for but were afraid to ask.

Thursday cannot come soon enough. Tell all your friends. I will be very surprised if this is not the single most defining day of RED. The one day in our history that will mark the changing point. Days like this will never be duplicated.

If you are disappointed, we will never satisfy you. If you are blown away, the future just begins.

Know this. The RED team is on fire. I have never been a part of something as exciting as what we will present in a few short days." Jim Janard

I am looking forward to tomorrow.

What this really is showing is a shift in thinking. For years we have been locked into either two schools, one being film with great depth of field or video with decent depth, but a struggle to achieve that depth. Now with the new generation the two schools are combining. This is really a revolution in the way things are being done. My choices for my next camera keep getting a bit harder.