Sunday, January 31, 2016

Los Angeles' 6th Street Bridge In Films



The 6th Street bridge is being town now.  It will be replaced with a stronger, safer bridge,  more sutible for earthquake prone California.  The original bridge will live on forever in films

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Visual Effects Reel 2015



There are so many great visual effects.  It's hard to pick a clear winner.


Thursday, January 14, 2016

New Superman Vs Batman Clip





...

One thing that's for sure, neither one of them is dying in this movie.

Update:  Conan's Youtube video working properly.

The OSCARS Nominations Live!

Alan Rickman 1946 - 2016


British actor Alan Rickman has died of cancer today at age 69.  He is best know for his portrayal of Hans Gruber in Die Hard and Professor Snape in the Harry Potter films.   Although his breakout role was as Hans Gruber he worked hard to avoid typecasting.  He was a talented actor of stage and screen.   He acted in a great variety of movies including the great comedy Galaxy Quest.

R. I. P. Alan Rickman.




Update:  CNN's very nice tribute



His latest film, Alice Through The The Looking Glass, will be released later this year.



Galaxy Quest



CBGB Trailer

Monday, January 11, 2016

Frank Underwood's Creepiest Moments Concentrated Into One Minute.




David Bowie 1947 - 2016, Dead At Age 69


David Bowie died from cancer today.  He had been diagnosed with the disease a year and a half ago.  He was a unique talent best know for his music.  Bowie was also and actor that performed in many interesting rolls.   A few of the more notable films David Bowie acted in are The Man Who Fell To Earth, Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, Absolute Beginners, Labyrinth, and The Prestige.  He will be missed.  R.I.P.


Saturday, January 9, 2016

Super 8 Film May Be Here To Stay, For A Little While Longer






There has been bad news regarding Kodak and its future in recent years.  The rapid transition of consumer and professional photography from  film to digital has been a big reason for the decline and Kodak filed for bankruptcy reorganization back in January 2012.  The advent of inexpensive digital cameras and digital editing have made movie making more convenient and less expensive than ever before.  30 years ago Super 8mm film was the most common way to record family vacation and home movies.  It was so beloved that it's become the title of at least 2 movies 8 mm and JJ Abrams' Super 8.   Many student filmmakers made movies using Super 8mm as a low cost alternative to 16mm and 35mm.   That was a long time ago and the film format that help start the careers of many young directors is making a comeback.  Kodak has reveal a new Super 8mm format camera, the first since 1982.  Kodachrome 40 reversal film has been discontinued since 2006 but a few options still remain.

Super 8mm Film Sample



"On film, there's a special magic on a set when you say 'action' and to the point that the take runs until you say 'cut,' that's a sacred time. I've always believed in the magic of movies and to me the magic is connected to film. When you're filming something on film you aren't recording movement, you're taking a series of still pictures and when shown at 24 frames per second through a lightbulb, THAT creates the illusion of movement. That illusion is connected to the magic of making movies. The fact that Kodak is giving a new generation of filmmakers the opportunity to shoot on Super 8 is truly an incredible gift." 
- Quentin Tarantino




Constraints help to push filmmakers to think before they act.   They are required to design and plan their productions more carefully.  The limitations can help creativity and increase the likelihood of producing quality work.  One 50 foot 8mm film cartridge will only allow shooting for 2.5 minutes, at 24 FPS.  You must think before you act or end up burning through all of your film.  Kodak plans to sell 50 foot 8mm film cartridges that include services in the price.  Kodak will process and digitally scan the film and upload it to the cloud for easy access. The audio is recorded via built in digital recorder. It's a mix of the old and the new technology.  There is no official word on the price but it's believed to eventually sell for $400 - $700.  Like it or not the analog film format is on its way out. In 20 years it's unlikely that you'll be able to find a roll of film anywhere except an antique shop.

It's a surprising move from a company that has seen the rapid drop in film product sales.

More info @ Kodak.com  and see the full specs here.







Kodak

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

New Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes Trailer

  How many more of these are there going to be?