Happy New Year 2010 from all of my Blogs and web sites! Thank you for visiting and come back often!
Monday, September 28, 2009
A Great Investment.....Me!
I have always worked, taken most any job to survive, feed my family, and pay bills on time. I have been a CEO of two small corporations, a college instructor, and a business analyst for a major software company (see profile). At age 45 I went back to Grad School to work on a M Ed in Instructional Design and a MBA in Management. At age 57 I was laid off from the software company (job went to India). I took a part time job in a bookstore to attempt to make ends meet. It didn't work.....and at age 59, I became homeless and unemployed for over a year, eating in soup kitchens and living in doorways. Even with a Master's Degree, help from vocational rehab, & a few non-profits, I have not had a job interview since 2006 (the book store), so in effect, I have not had a "professional job interview" since the software company in 1999!
Yet, I have not entirely given up. I have many creative skills occluding design, writing, educational software, and organizational research. I however, need a few things to make it all work together....hence the INVESTMENT.
I have a old Dell computer with a 15" monitor, donated by an ad in Craig's List! However, a few disabilities make it very difficult to design anything on a 15" CRT monitor. So if folks were able to invest in ME (even $1 helps), I would like to get the following:
1. a 20" - 23" LCD monitor
2. a graphics tablet and pen
3. a larger hard drive (current one is 8 GB)
4. additional software
I will use the new hardware to desing graphics, write educational courses, and perhaps on-line classes. With much luck, may even get paid for it.
Thank you for reading thisappeal, and any help you may be inclined to give. comments and suggestions also welcome!
Yet, I have not entirely given up. I have many creative skills occluding design, writing, educational software, and organizational research. I however, need a few things to make it all work together....hence the INVESTMENT.
I have a old Dell computer with a 15" monitor, donated by an ad in Craig's List! However, a few disabilities make it very difficult to design anything on a 15" CRT monitor. So if folks were able to invest in ME (even $1 helps), I would like to get the following:
1. a 20" - 23" LCD monitor
2. a graphics tablet and pen
3. a larger hard drive (current one is 8 GB)
4. additional software
I will use the new hardware to desing graphics, write educational courses, and perhaps on-line classes. With much luck, may even get paid for it.
Thank you for reading thisappeal, and any help you may be inclined to give. comments and suggestions also welcome!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
HD vs Film. Which Format Best Suits Your Particular Project?
by: Steve Lantz
The HD world has changed dramatically over the past few years. Many believe the gap between film and digital video has been closed with the advent of new ultra-high resolution, 35mm-sized, single-chip HD cameras that offer superior color reproduction and exposure latitude comparable to 35mm. All professional filmstyle HD cameras are capable of true progressive frame, 24 frames-per-second (24p) capture and provide other film-style features, such as multiple frame rates, variable shutter and cine-like gamma curves that mimic the tonal qualities of film. In addition, all of these cameras accept 35mm film lenses and accessories (some require adaptors such as the P+S Technik Pro35 and Mini35) which assures the exact same focal lengths and relatively shallow depth-of-field associated with 35mm optics.
The movie industry has changed radically over the past decade. Now there are distribution opportunities for small independents that never existed before. Indies have already proven that they too can be successful and profitable at the box office. While HD cameras are now affordable and in the hands of many independent filmmakers, the rules still stand that to be successful in the movie market, you need to make good films. Film festivals and internet sites like YOUTUBE have opened the doors to Indy filmmakers, providing easy access to large audiences. The number of film festivals around the world has exploded, from a handful to literally thousands and each festival receives hundreds and thousands of entries. Both Panavision and Arriflex have joined the digital revolution, recognizing the increased demand for digital acquisition, especially in TV and Indy film production where budgets are tight. A typical 100-minute low-budget feature production will save over $150,000 shooting HD versus 35mm and save $50,000 over 16mm. On a low-budget production, these cost savings are significant.
The digital workflow has taken over film in many areas, especially in post-production. Almost all editing today is performed on non-linear systems and the vast majority of special effects are created through a digital pipeline. In addition, HD is becoming the universal format for distribution, including HD television broadcast and home entertainment (HD-DVD and Blu-Ray HD players are now on the market). HD theatrical distribution will soon follow. Currently, the movie industry spends close to a billion dollars per year on prints, shipping, insurance and other costs, all of which will be eliminated with satellite distribution of HD films for 4K/HD projection. The projected cost savings to the movie industry is enormous and will ultimately be the driving force that will propel the world into HD exhibition.
Exhibitors will also benefit from HD projectors that are solid state and require little maintenance. Pricing on HD projectors will drop dramatically with economies of scale and will quickly be amortized considering the significant savings in operating costs compared to 35mm projection. For example, showtimes can be programmed into digital projectors allowing automatic start and full automation, thus eliminating the need for projectionists and saving theater owners time in training, salaries and expensive worker's compensation premiums. Landmark Theaters has already begun the process of installing HD projectors into many of their theaters and others are following suit. Conservative estimates suggest that 50% of all theaters in the United States will be converted to HD projection within the next five to seven years and over 80% within the next ten years.
HD offers several distinct advantages over film during shooting, such as immediate playback and monitoring of your finished image. LUT's are used to define different looks for the film or the final look of the film print and output that look onto a high-definition display. LUT's can be saved for future film projects or episodes should you want to replicate a similar look. Camera settings can also be saved for future projects so that you can match a particular look exactly (very handy for TV series production). HD monitoring allows you to catch things and make corrections on the fly, while you are in the moment. HD cameras excel over 35mm at locations where you have mixed light sources and don't have the luxury of setting up your own controlled lighting. HD cameras can white balance, film cannot. HD also excels over film in the effects world, where it is possible to view green and blue screen composites on the set, fine-tune alignments in real-time, and give the director a close representation of the finished product.
While there are many who continue to argue that HD is, and will always be, inferior to film, the truth is an HD feature properly lit and exposed looks very close to 35mm and the aesthetic difference is virtually transparent to the audience. Your average movie patron really doesn't know or care what format the film was shot in. All they really care about, and all that really matters ultimately, is that they are entertained. A great story with the right cast and skillful directing goes a long way and it certainly stands to reason that as more people become used to watching HD films, the "look" of HD will become the accepted "norm".
The writing is on the wall. Film will still be the format of choice for a while, especially on large budget features, but eventually one could certainly speculate that the entire process of making films will be entirely digital.
The HD world has changed dramatically over the past few years. Many believe the gap between film and digital video has been closed with the advent of new ultra-high resolution, 35mm-sized, single-chip HD cameras that offer superior color reproduction and exposure latitude comparable to 35mm. All professional filmstyle HD cameras are capable of true progressive frame, 24 frames-per-second (24p) capture and provide other film-style features, such as multiple frame rates, variable shutter and cine-like gamma curves that mimic the tonal qualities of film. In addition, all of these cameras accept 35mm film lenses and accessories (some require adaptors such as the P+S Technik Pro35 and Mini35) which assures the exact same focal lengths and relatively shallow depth-of-field associated with 35mm optics.
The movie industry has changed radically over the past decade. Now there are distribution opportunities for small independents that never existed before. Indies have already proven that they too can be successful and profitable at the box office. While HD cameras are now affordable and in the hands of many independent filmmakers, the rules still stand that to be successful in the movie market, you need to make good films. Film festivals and internet sites like YOUTUBE have opened the doors to Indy filmmakers, providing easy access to large audiences. The number of film festivals around the world has exploded, from a handful to literally thousands and each festival receives hundreds and thousands of entries. Both Panavision and Arriflex have joined the digital revolution, recognizing the increased demand for digital acquisition, especially in TV and Indy film production where budgets are tight. A typical 100-minute low-budget feature production will save over $150,000 shooting HD versus 35mm and save $50,000 over 16mm. On a low-budget production, these cost savings are significant.
The digital workflow has taken over film in many areas, especially in post-production. Almost all editing today is performed on non-linear systems and the vast majority of special effects are created through a digital pipeline. In addition, HD is becoming the universal format for distribution, including HD television broadcast and home entertainment (HD-DVD and Blu-Ray HD players are now on the market). HD theatrical distribution will soon follow. Currently, the movie industry spends close to a billion dollars per year on prints, shipping, insurance and other costs, all of which will be eliminated with satellite distribution of HD films for 4K/HD projection. The projected cost savings to the movie industry is enormous and will ultimately be the driving force that will propel the world into HD exhibition.
Exhibitors will also benefit from HD projectors that are solid state and require little maintenance. Pricing on HD projectors will drop dramatically with economies of scale and will quickly be amortized considering the significant savings in operating costs compared to 35mm projection. For example, showtimes can be programmed into digital projectors allowing automatic start and full automation, thus eliminating the need for projectionists and saving theater owners time in training, salaries and expensive worker's compensation premiums. Landmark Theaters has already begun the process of installing HD projectors into many of their theaters and others are following suit. Conservative estimates suggest that 50% of all theaters in the United States will be converted to HD projection within the next five to seven years and over 80% within the next ten years.
HD offers several distinct advantages over film during shooting, such as immediate playback and monitoring of your finished image. LUT's are used to define different looks for the film or the final look of the film print and output that look onto a high-definition display. LUT's can be saved for future film projects or episodes should you want to replicate a similar look. Camera settings can also be saved for future projects so that you can match a particular look exactly (very handy for TV series production). HD monitoring allows you to catch things and make corrections on the fly, while you are in the moment. HD cameras excel over 35mm at locations where you have mixed light sources and don't have the luxury of setting up your own controlled lighting. HD cameras can white balance, film cannot. HD also excels over film in the effects world, where it is possible to view green and blue screen composites on the set, fine-tune alignments in real-time, and give the director a close representation of the finished product.
While there are many who continue to argue that HD is, and will always be, inferior to film, the truth is an HD feature properly lit and exposed looks very close to 35mm and the aesthetic difference is virtually transparent to the audience. Your average movie patron really doesn't know or care what format the film was shot in. All they really care about, and all that really matters ultimately, is that they are entertained. A great story with the right cast and skillful directing goes a long way and it certainly stands to reason that as more people become used to watching HD films, the "look" of HD will become the accepted "norm".
The writing is on the wall. Film will still be the format of choice for a while, especially on large budget features, but eventually one could certainly speculate that the entire process of making films will be entirely digital.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Movies that should have been in B&W
Whenever I watch a 1940's Film Noir in glorious B&W, I realize that there are several other movies that I enjoy that could have been shot without color. Here are four that come to mind:
LA Confidential
Mulholland Falls
China Town
Mulholland Drive
They had the same era, 1940's to early 1950's, dark themes, shady characters, lots of night scenes, etc. If they can "colorize" some classic black and white films, why can't they make certain color films B&W? I think this could be a niche market for "Film Noir" buffs...I'd watch them! Even better, re-release them to "Art Cinemas" to see on the big screen.
LA Confidential
Mulholland Falls
China Town
Mulholland Drive
They had the same era, 1940's to early 1950's, dark themes, shady characters, lots of night scenes, etc. If they can "colorize" some classic black and white films, why can't they make certain color films B&W? I think this could be a niche market for "Film Noir" buffs...I'd watch them! Even better, re-release them to "Art Cinemas" to see on the big screen.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Beginners Digital Photography Equipment Tips
When you first begin using your digital photography
camera be sure you have got the correct equipment you
will need before you set out. Owning the proper equipment
is essential whenever you would like to make it
successfully wether you are a beginner or a professional.
If you're going to become a professional with your
digital photography then you had better be willing to
spend a good deal more on equipment than simply somebody
wanting to do this as a hobby. Depending upon what you
would like to do with digital photography it's entirely
up to you as to how much equipment you're going to be
checking out in buying. A professional career in digital
photography might not be what you are looking for do if
you don't have the money for these kinds of equipment
that you will need to have.
Then, if you are merely wanting to enjoy digital
photography as a hobby then I should be able to assist
you out in letting you know what you may require for your
digital camera, accessories and all. For your first
digital camera the important thing is to not spend overly
to much on it. There is no call for in purchasing an
pricey digital camera until afterwards down the road once
you get a good deal more experienced with it. On several
digital cameras you could be capable to even utilize them
as a manual camera. You will merely have to work out how
to adjust all of it's operations. You'll be able to go
out and buy a book for dummies on digital photography as
well, those are always handy to own. They have them for
virtually everything you want to know. Just keep in mind
that owning the proper software for your digital camera
is really significant, it will help you organize all of
the images you have created.
You will need to purchase a bag or case to keep your
digital camera safe and all or any accessories that you
may have bought as well while you're active. Purchase the
camera that you feel best suits your needs and remember
you only require a basic one for beginners. They will
have all of the features you will need just to get going
and with this camera you'll even be able to take truly
great photographs.
Spending more doesn't all of the time mean that you're
buying the better product. If there's not a photographing
equipment store in your city then I suggest you will be
able to simply go online and look up anything you may be
interested in purchasing. You will be able to discover a
couple of really good deals on the internet if you're
wanting to save a little money, who would'nt like to do
that? Or you can ask around, you might have a friend that
can assist you out with your first time purchasing needs.
If there's a local store where you can go in and purchase
digital cameras for digital photography there will be
somebody in there that can help you with any questions
you could have about the product.
camera be sure you have got the correct equipment you
will need before you set out. Owning the proper equipment
is essential whenever you would like to make it
successfully wether you are a beginner or a professional.
If you're going to become a professional with your
digital photography then you had better be willing to
spend a good deal more on equipment than simply somebody
wanting to do this as a hobby. Depending upon what you
would like to do with digital photography it's entirely
up to you as to how much equipment you're going to be
checking out in buying. A professional career in digital
photography might not be what you are looking for do if
you don't have the money for these kinds of equipment
that you will need to have.
Then, if you are merely wanting to enjoy digital
photography as a hobby then I should be able to assist
you out in letting you know what you may require for your
digital camera, accessories and all. For your first
digital camera the important thing is to not spend overly
to much on it. There is no call for in purchasing an
pricey digital camera until afterwards down the road once
you get a good deal more experienced with it. On several
digital cameras you could be capable to even utilize them
as a manual camera. You will merely have to work out how
to adjust all of it's operations. You'll be able to go
out and buy a book for dummies on digital photography as
well, those are always handy to own. They have them for
virtually everything you want to know. Just keep in mind
that owning the proper software for your digital camera
is really significant, it will help you organize all of
the images you have created.
You will need to purchase a bag or case to keep your
digital camera safe and all or any accessories that you
may have bought as well while you're active. Purchase the
camera that you feel best suits your needs and remember
you only require a basic one for beginners. They will
have all of the features you will need just to get going
and with this camera you'll even be able to take truly
great photographs.
Spending more doesn't all of the time mean that you're
buying the better product. If there's not a photographing
equipment store in your city then I suggest you will be
able to simply go online and look up anything you may be
interested in purchasing. You will be able to discover a
couple of really good deals on the internet if you're
wanting to save a little money, who would'nt like to do
that? Or you can ask around, you might have a friend that
can assist you out with your first time purchasing needs.
If there's a local store where you can go in and purchase
digital cameras for digital photography there will be
somebody in there that can help you with any questions
you could have about the product.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Warner Brothers
There was a great segment of "American Masters" on PBS last night on the Warner Brothers Film Studio. The family appeared to be a eclectic mix of personalities and a major factor in the evolution of Hollywood.
I enjoyed it and was amazed at the number of folks of that era still alive, although I have no idea when the segment was filmed.
American Masters
I enjoyed it and was amazed at the number of folks of that era still alive, although I have no idea when the segment was filmed.
American Masters
Monday, June 22, 2009
Get Perfect Job with Video Resume
Now here is something I thought of in the early 1990's while in Grad School at age 50. I used video for many projects in college, and thought this would be a good idea at that time.
by Adityasnv Bannatwala
Have you ever heard about the video resume? Video resume is great resource for job seeker who wants to show their abilities beyond the capabilities of traditional paper resume. Now the prospective employers can see, hear and get feel for how the candidate presents themselves.
First video resume was introduced in the 1980s but it was not successful because for use and distribution it needed the hard drive. Now the situation is completely different with the modern capabilities of transmitting streaming video via the internet, video resume become very popular. Now video resume are widely accepted by companies throughout the world for selecting the employee. 4quz7a52cn
Video resumes are mainly use by the people who wants to participate in singing and dancing competition. They can easily show their certain skills, such as leadership, presentation, and creative abilities with the help of video resume. But now it is successfully used in more fields such as information technology. Some IT professional make their video resume as a way to showcase both their soft skill and technical skill (such as graphic design, animation, and programming projects). One common mistake that many people make in their resume is to underrate the value of non-technical skills, such as the ability to communicate and work with co-workers. Soft skill is very important it made the first impression on the employer.
How to Create a Video Resume You needs to be very careful when create a video resume, making a video resume has never been easier. As with a traditional resume, a video resume should concisely explain your skills and accomplishments as they relate to a prospective employer.
• The first thing you should do when creating a video resume is found out how you want to present yourself on camera. In other words, what do you want employers to take away from your video? You are in the performing arts; you will probably want to showcase your talent. If you are in business, you may want to demonstrate your leadership or speaking skills. If you are an IT professional, you will probably want to show your soft and technical skill. • Clearly tell why employers should hire YOU over other applicants. Prepare your "elevator pitch" before you sit down to record your Video. Know what your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is, and deliver it with confidence. • Body Language: A large percentage of human communication is non-verbal, so be aware of what your body language is telling Employers about you! A Video Resume can be unique and professional at the same time, so relax, have some fun and show your personality. You want to project your professionalism and personality with enthusiasm, so smile and deliver your message with confidence.
The novelty of video resumes can provide an advantage over traditional paper resumes. They are best used in two situations: to open doors to a select few employers who you are targeting, or to move forward a stalled phone interview process. Whereas a hiring manager may spend 10 seconds scanning a resume looking for a reason to reject a candidate, a video resume is something different, and therefore could hook a hirer's attention. But, there are disadvantages that you should be aware of before using a video resume. The video resume should not be viewed as a replacement for the traditional resume but as a potential complement, especially if you have strong communication skills and impressive work samples that are sought after by IT employers. A well-executed video resume can provide advantages to certain job seekers, including IT professionals who are looking for a way to highlight soft skills, technical abilities, and portfolio examples not accurately reflected on traditional resumes.
by Adityasnv Bannatwala
Have you ever heard about the video resume? Video resume is great resource for job seeker who wants to show their abilities beyond the capabilities of traditional paper resume. Now the prospective employers can see, hear and get feel for how the candidate presents themselves.
First video resume was introduced in the 1980s but it was not successful because for use and distribution it needed the hard drive. Now the situation is completely different with the modern capabilities of transmitting streaming video via the internet, video resume become very popular. Now video resume are widely accepted by companies throughout the world for selecting the employee. 4quz7a52cn
Video resumes are mainly use by the people who wants to participate in singing and dancing competition. They can easily show their certain skills, such as leadership, presentation, and creative abilities with the help of video resume. But now it is successfully used in more fields such as information technology. Some IT professional make their video resume as a way to showcase both their soft skill and technical skill (such as graphic design, animation, and programming projects). One common mistake that many people make in their resume is to underrate the value of non-technical skills, such as the ability to communicate and work with co-workers. Soft skill is very important it made the first impression on the employer.
How to Create a Video Resume You needs to be very careful when create a video resume, making a video resume has never been easier. As with a traditional resume, a video resume should concisely explain your skills and accomplishments as they relate to a prospective employer.
• The first thing you should do when creating a video resume is found out how you want to present yourself on camera. In other words, what do you want employers to take away from your video? You are in the performing arts; you will probably want to showcase your talent. If you are in business, you may want to demonstrate your leadership or speaking skills. If you are an IT professional, you will probably want to show your soft and technical skill. • Clearly tell why employers should hire YOU over other applicants. Prepare your "elevator pitch" before you sit down to record your Video. Know what your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is, and deliver it with confidence. • Body Language: A large percentage of human communication is non-verbal, so be aware of what your body language is telling Employers about you! A Video Resume can be unique and professional at the same time, so relax, have some fun and show your personality. You want to project your professionalism and personality with enthusiasm, so smile and deliver your message with confidence.
The novelty of video resumes can provide an advantage over traditional paper resumes. They are best used in two situations: to open doors to a select few employers who you are targeting, or to move forward a stalled phone interview process. Whereas a hiring manager may spend 10 seconds scanning a resume looking for a reason to reject a candidate, a video resume is something different, and therefore could hook a hirer's attention. But, there are disadvantages that you should be aware of before using a video resume. The video resume should not be viewed as a replacement for the traditional resume but as a potential complement, especially if you have strong communication skills and impressive work samples that are sought after by IT employers. A well-executed video resume can provide advantages to certain job seekers, including IT professionals who are looking for a way to highlight soft skills, technical abilities, and portfolio examples not accurately reflected on traditional resumes.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Free Movie Channel
I have the DTV converter box and get 22 channels, free over the air, broadcast in HD. One is a Movie channel called THIS, a subscript of the ABC channel. It shows movies from the 1960’s to 80’s in a wide range of genres. Beach party, horror, westerns, comedies, and many others. Many are kind of campy, but some are major pictures and stars, but 30+ years old. It is entertaining and did I mention, FREE!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
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