Taming The Media Monster

Media is a complicated beast that can spiral out of control at any point, especially when it comes to video production. There are so many variables that go into it. Such as lighting, audio, your talent, what the story is, ect… So how do you handle it? How are you able to pump out videos like a boss each and every week? The answer? Organization.

Organization is the most important feature when it comes to creating media. Creating a simple system that keeps files organized and a workflow that is reasonable and secure. Here’s a workflow that I would suggest.

Pre-Production:

This is the part where you pre plan everything out. For video it is the script. Timing everything out, writing down a shot sheet of ideas that can tell the story visually. Finding audio and putting together a team that can understand their roles and knows the vision being cast would be done in this stage too. When it comes to photography, getting to know the subject and creating a relationship before the shoot is crucial. That allows confidence in the subject, but also enables the shooter to know what to be looking for.

Once a game plan is set out, and then you must have the workflow to keep things moving.

The Process:

On the shoot, it’s important to back everything up. It has been said that if you have your file in one place it doesn’t exist. You must have it in three places for it to truly exist. This basically means that computers and hard drives crash all the time. To ensure that your media is safe, you should definitely back it up in different locations.

Here’s a great video that explains this concept on a professional level.

Sharing:

Once the content is created, you have to share it some how! Social media has been a great tool for doing this. Facebook pages are a great way when starting out. It can act as a homepage and include photos and videos. This is what my FB page looks like: IndieElephantProductions However, once you start to get larger you definitely need to look into having your own website. smugmug has a great tool that I use when it comes to building a website. It enables you to be creative and show your content any way you want and even has a store that can sell photos for you. Many of the social media sites should be used to get traffic to your actual website. Linking everything together is a great idea and makes it easier!

In summary, I want to encourage you all that even though creating media can be a scary thing…it doesn’t have to be! Figure out a system that works for you and stick with it. Stay organized and label everything so you can access it easily in the future. And never put the camera down! I leave you with this cool shot of Philadelphia I took the other day. 

Until next time. 

DSLR, The Age Of Potential

What’s so great about a DSLR? Well, pretty much everything. In today’s day and age, photography and filmmaking has never been better. The price, mobility, speed, and the many other features make these devices a great tool for just about any creative individual.

A DSLR can be for the hobbyist or professional. To really utilize their power, yes it does take some reading and knowledge, but they can be user friendly as well. In fact, many professional photographers begin as just a hobby. It’s crazy to think of all of the power these cameras contain and the incredible prices such as the Canon T3i with a kit lens under $800.

The DSLR has many unique advantages when it comes to the design and function. The most noticeable is the fact that they use SD cards. Unlike the older days when cameras used film or tape, DSLR’s record their information through cards that can instantly be downloaded and ready to be edited in a matter of moments. Not only is that process faster, but of higher quality as well. The changing of lenses is a great function as well! A DSLR can have great range with the different types of lenses as well as a faster shutter speed. This basically means that the creativity and looks of your images can be greatly influenced in an easier way.

Another great aspect of the DSLR is that of maintenance. DSLRs are quite simple to take care of. Most of them include self-cleaning functions that clean their internal sensors. The only other maintenance is that of wiping the lenses and tightening the focuses, to enable sharper images. Now, granted there are issues that can come up with a DSLR, but for the most part they are easy fixes. For more information on cleaning your DSLR, check out this post from Darren Rowes Here

Once your hobby takes off the ground and you better understand your camera, there are also a lot of fun toys you can add to enhance the experience. Lighting and audio are key features when it comes to photography or even video. Lighting especially when it comes to photography, can add a dynamic feature to your images. An on camera flash such as Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash, is able to provide quality lighting in low light situations. For video, a simple tripod with a fluid head or a slider can provide the cinematic look and feel that many seek.

Bottom line, the art of photography and filmmaking is an addictive hobby. Once you get your hands on a camera, any camera; you begin to catch the “bug”.  I would encourage you to see which camera works best for your needs or desires. If you can’t afford a DSLR camera, start with a “point and shoot”. There are great cameras even with the cheaper ones that can give you a good idea of what you’re able to do. But be aware, once you dive into the world of video and photography…there is no going back.

Nashville Dream Recording Winner!

A few months ago I shot a music video for Zach McCord not having any idea that it would lead to a profession recording for him. Zach is a good friend of mine at Valley Forge Christian College and we had a lot of fun making the video. It was an original song and his plan was to make the video to show his girlfriend how much he loved her. Little did we know that the video would have over 4,000 views on YouTube and be entered into a contest for a $15,000 recording session.

The Nashville Dream Recording Contest was something Zach had found about a month ago. The contest rules were to submit a video on their website and have as many people vote for their favorite videos. The person with the most votes at the end of the contest would win the package that included the recording, photo shoot, and album cover. Zach had chosen to use our video and began asking friends and family to vote for us. The contest came down to Zach and another artists named Scotty Butters. The votes were tight and the last day Zach down a couple hundred votes. However, with an incredible serge of support we had the most votes in the end and Zach won! I did a little research and found that Dark Horse (The recording company) has recorded big names such as Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, and Reliant K just to name a few. I'm really excited for Zach McCord and the big things that are about to come for him. If you haven't done so yet, please check out the video and continue to support Zach and myself!

48 Hour Film Festival!

So, last weekend I just competed in a film festival. The festival was through Valley Forge Christian College and the requirements were to create a captivating short film that had to be within 5-12 minutes in length. The film had to be a redemptive story and needed to be completed in only 48 hours! Another cool aspect about the "Captiv8 Film Fest" was that it was open to any Assembly of God College or University in the entire United States.

On Thursday at 12 p.m. we were given a line, "Don't you see, it's happening again", a character, "barista", and a prop, "bouquet of flowers". Once the live announcement was over, 5 teams set out to create something incredible. My team had a slight setback since the guy we were borrowing a slider from forgot it back at his home in Maryland. I had to take a little 3 hour detour before filming (Not fun). Once I got back, my team had already set up and prepared our first shoot. We began shooting at 4:00 p.m. and we went on throughout the night and got back in the editing room by 6:00 a.m. the next day.

Everyone was tired at this point and we began doing shifts to give everyone a chance to nap a little. That entire Friday and early Saturday morning took up the rest of our time editing. The product was due at 12 p.m. on Saturday and we turned our video in 30 minutes before it was due!

Once that heavy load was taken off our shoulder we all collapsed and fell asleep to try to gain whatever sleep we missed. The award show started that evening at 7:00 p.m. The judges included Kevin Hackenburg, Kris John, David Tate, Scott Ball, and Matt Lusier. Our film, "Resist" won Most Captiv8ing Cinematography and was nominated in Best Editor, Best Director, Best Set Design, Most Captiv8ing Short, and Best Screenplay.

Check out the film Resist!

More About Indie Elephant Productions

Indie Elephant Productions is a small business that started from a freelance class at Valley Forge Christian College. At first I didn't think much of it, except that it was fun to pretend I was a major media company. However, the more I got involved with the branding and business side of the class work, the more I really enjoyed the thought of really owning a business. I bought the rights to the name and began taking pictures for free to boost my portfolio and to practice starting a small business.

This year I was fortunate enough to film my first wedding, which is my real passion. Once I graduate I'd love to be a film director that creates positives films, that can make a real difference in this world. In reality, I see myself working in a church producing media and providing videos for sermons and illustrations. What's exciting for me is that I have found something that I love! And what is better to do for a living than something you love doing? I really want to encourage you that if you have a passion or dream go after it! I truly believe that God gives us passions and dreams for a reason. We have these thoughts to motivate and look towards. Am I where I want to be at? No. But I know I'm moving in the  right direction. Just Keep at it! Proverbs 16:3 states, "Commit to the Lord, whatever you do and you will succeed." This is my life verse. Committing to God with all that I do and in the end I'll be successful. Not only in my eyes, but in God's eyes and what's better than that?

A 4K Cinema Camera Under $3,000?

Filming something that has the same quality of the big screen is a big deal. Being an independent filmmaker and having such a camera is everyone’s dream. How about this dream becoming a reality? Black Magic Design is an electronic company founded in 1984 from Australia. The uniqueness of this company has been re-defining the cinema industry with ground-breaking cameras at great prices!

I have recently had the opportunity to use the Black Magic 2.5K Cinema Camera and was blown away from the visuals and ability to have 13 stops of dynamic range. This camera is at an incredible deal of only $1,994! But just when I though it couldn’t be any better, Black Magic Design came out with a 4K under $3,000! 4K Resolution!

                                                       (Photo From www.BlackMagicDesign.com)

For those of you who don’t know what 4K means, it’s a measurement of resolution from the camera of being 3840x2160. That’s 8,294,400 pixels to play with! It’s also shot flat and enables the editor to have a wider range of dynamics to really boost and color correct on a whole other level.  

                                     (This graph from Wikipedia demonstrates the difference of resolution)

The 4K has changed its sensor from the 2.5K by making it a super 35 sensor. This enables a closer feel and look as to what the lens is suppose to show. With the older 2.5K the sensor has a crop that really makes most shots tighter than what the lens is suppose to show. This 35 sensor will have a much better look for the lenses that are wanted.

Another great aspect of the camera is the lens mounts. Any EF Compatible Lens will fit on the camera. Unlike other Cinema Cameras that require special Cinema style lenses, this camera works with your typical DSLR style lenses. This is a great feature, especially for filmmakers looking to save money on lenses.

The 4K BMCC records on SSD! This enables the camera to record all of its massive information quickly. The 240GB SSD can record up to 36 minutes and the 480GB SSD can record up to 72 minutes.

The camera also has a back screen that is completely touch screen. From the screen you’re able to change the display settings, to different shutter speeds and F stops, ect... The side of the camera features numerous inputs for Thunderbolt connection, ¼” Jack for the Mic inputs. There is a 12V to 30V DC input, a 3.5mm headphone input, and a LANC remote control.

So if you’re a filmmaker looking to make a splash into the 4K world, definitely give this camera a shot! Coming from only using the 2.5K camera, I can tell there are many similarities to both cameras. However, the resolution along with sensor difference really sweetens the deal! The only thing that I have a complaint with the 2.5K was the battery. It would die somewhat quickly. I’m anxious to see if  the same goes for this battery. In the end, I love Black Magic Design and all of the innovations they are working on. I’m a fan and I’m sure you will be too. Check out more details of the camera at www.blackmagicdesign.com 
You can purchase the 2.5K Black Magic Cinema Camera Here!

Wisdom From A Church Media Director

I was fortunate to complete my required internship this summer at Christian Life Assembly. The internship involved creating videos for the church and join in the creative team processes. After I graduate from VFCC, I'm planning to work for a church or Christian organization in the film world. But, what does it take to work in a unique environment such as a Church? I interviewed my mentor from the internship, and heres how it went.

Me: " How did you get started in the digital media field?"

Richard: "I began doing video work for my high school, recording and producing the annual school musicals, football games, etc."

Me: "Did you attend a college/university before this job and if so what did you study?"

Richard: " I attended Montgomery College and the University of Maryland receiving my degree in Communication-Video Production. After graduating, I did not use my degree for almost 13 years when I began working in the church."

Me: " What is a typical day in the office look like?"

Richard: "Most days are spent multi-tasking in five areas. Pre-production of upcoming services, post production on past services, volunteer management, equipment maintenance, administrative tasks (email, phone calls)

Me: "What is a goal you have for yourself in this field of work?"

Richard: "To continue to use the latest in technology to reach the world for Jesus Christ, keeping in mind that the message is not changing, only the method."

Me: "Is there anything you know now that you wished you knew getting started?"

Richard: "That a vast majority of the leadership (pastoral staff, deacon/elder boards) in the church do not have any idea what or how to use digital media, but think they know everything. This creates an unnecessary level of stress and conflict when dealing with personnel and budget requests."

Me: " What’s your advice to anyone looking into working for the church in media?"

Richard: "Confirm that the church has a digital media plan (audio, video, lighting, photography, web, apps, and social media). During the interview process, make sure you confirm this with more than one staff/board member. If there is a plan, then confirm that the church is prepared to budget between 7-10% of the annual operating budget for the entire church, in the areas of digital media. Digital media is a continuing cycle of maintenance, upgrades and advancements. You must be flexible, and the church must be flexible."

In recap, here's a video I was able to produce for the church to promote their digital media ministries.

Click here for video.

Hope this post is able to spark some interest in those who want to work in a church! Don't forget to leave a comment below!