September 13, 2010 I get a phone message that the control room switcher will not function. In a few hours I appear to check this report out. The switcher will not work but I figure I must rule out the sync generator. At first I can not see any sync signals due to my unfamiliarity to the waveform monitor. I finally find what appears to be good sync going to the switcher. We discover that the sync generator has a…
This is the third in a series of posts. There are two prior posts to this one. Post number one: http://mclarenblog.com/?p=1032. Post number two: http://mclarenblog.com/?p=1035. On 11/30/10 9:30 AM, “A. B.” wrote: Got my footage back, first roll was blurred because I never set the ground glass, second roll was also blurred because the film stock was loose in the door. Third roll was amazing but slightly green (colorist fixed with ease), fourth roll was perfect, fifth roll was perfect…
This is the second in a series of posts. The prior post can be found here: Student Asks, Was The Lens Out Of Calibration? (#1) http://mclarenblog.com/?p=1032 On 11/18/10 9:57 PM, “A. B.” wrote: All this information is very useful and I have been told since emailing you many of the same things. All these things are definitely key in my future filming. I was told by another about the ground glass being specifically important as well. Although I new about…
This is the first in a series of e-mail posts. The next post can be found here: 16 MM Camera Lens Out Of Calibration? (#2) http://mclarenblog.com/?p=1035 On 11/16/10 7:43 PM, “A. B.” wrote: Hi I am a new filmmaker still in school and I recently read your blog from 3 years ago here http://mclarenblog.com/?p=196 My question is what if you have done all these steps and the feet marked with measuring tape are not matching up. For instance my subject…
American tally systems typically rely on the single RED light over monitors to indicate that what that monitor represents is hot or on air. In Europe, they adopted having three tally lights: Red = Currently on air Yellow = ISO. This warns the Technical Director that this source is currently feeding a separate record deck. Green = Preset by Technical Director that this source will be a part of the next take or effect. It is quite possible to see…
Troubleshooting the obvious and less obvious: Camera will not run. Check to make sure the motor clamp is snug. The camera motor body is the return electrical path and must be touching the motor housing clamp tight enough for a good electrical contact. The film buckle switch might not have been set properly. Open the sprocket wheel mechanism and then close. You don’t see it but a little plunger resets the film buckle switch to the “ON” position by open…
Never let them see you sweat. (All production personnel, especially talent) Focus on the eyes. (Camera operator) Cheat whenever possible. (Camera operators.) The crew members must never let the person(s) paying for the show know there is a problem. Quietly take care of it. (Crew). Camera operators must tell the director before the show begins of any camera operation deficiency. (Camera operators). Never bring a two way radio close to a video camera. (Crew). Audio people, never give talent a…
My sister wrote me to ask for advice using a video camera to cover a Macontosh user group. Here is my response: I can tell you a couple of professional tips on using a video camera. Tip #1: Use a tripod. There is nothing worse than jiggling images. Tip #2: Make gentle movements, no quick jerks with the camera framing. Tip #3: If you have to hand hold a video camera, set the camera to wide angle and leave it…