Film and video, side by side

In a new documentary, Side by Side, Keanu Reeves speaks to top-rank moviemakers about the delicate subject of film versus video. When I say “top rank” I mean people like Martin Scorsese, Christopher Nolan and David Lynch.

Here’s the trailer …

Side by Side Official Trailer (2012) from Company Films on Vimeo.

Shooting action scenes

If you’re a keen action director or cameraman, here are some action-shooting tips to keep in kind.

Pinnacle, who owns the Avid brand, publishes some useful tips on its website at: http://www.pinnaclesys.com/PublicSite/au/PinnacleLife/Content/Tutorials/

So if you’re a Pinnacle or Avid user, it’s worth checking out. You’ll also find some general tips and tricks if you scroll down the page.

Martin Scorsese talks about Hugo

As videomakers we have lots to learn from the masters. Here’s one of them (I’ve been an ardent fan since seeing Raging Bull, one of my favourite films of all time), Martin Scorsese, talking about another master, Georges Melies, and about the importance of preserving film for future generations.

Of course he also discusses Hugo, his new 3D film. Can’t wait to see it.

Sandi Sissel Q&A at Salamanca

Award-winning cinematographer and Director of Photography, Sandi Sissel, will be at the Salamanca Arts Centre (Hobart, Tasmania) on Wednesday 18 January from 5pm - 7.30pm for a special Q&A session.

She will be the guest of Wide Angle Tasmania and the Australian Cinematographers Society (Tasmania). If you want to attend the Q&A, contact Wide Angle Tasmania on email info@wideangle.org.au

You can read more about Sandi’s impressive career here: http://www.sandisissel.com/biography.php

But watch these movie clips first …

Movie mount for iPad

It had to happen. Now there is a special mount made specifically for iPads. You can use it to mount the iPad on to a tripod, and then to mount a microphone and a light on the iPad. There is even a slot for a lens adaptor (these accessories are not included – you have to add them yourself).

It’s not as insane as it sounds. Just have a look at the video or go to: http://www.makayama.com/moviemount.html

Vimeo introduces a music store

Have you heard? Vimeo now has a convenient online store where you can pick and download music for your videos, legally. Just go to: http://vimeo.com/musicstore

The featured tracks are often worth a listen, but of course you’d want to use the search for best results, as this little video shows …

Introducing Vimeo Music Store from Vimeo Staff on Vimeo.

Gorillapod mini-dolly makes its move

It may look funny (in more ways than one) but it appears to be working quite well. Say hello to the Gorillapod dolly, which is what happens when you screw skateboard wheels on to a Gorillapod and use it to make your camera move.

You’ll find the instructions to make your own on the Instructables web site. The simple video (below) shows both how it can be used and how it is made.