Week 9 Photo Challenge: Producer's Choice

     This is me in front of Las Vegas largest television and film production studio.  It is open to the public to lease out.  It is located behind the Palms hotel at 4390 Las Vegas Studio Ct.  It has a long drive way with a gated entrance.  Once you pass the gate you come to a small cute security building which as a mechanical crossing guard attached to it.  It has two studios.  Studio A is 2700 sq. ft. plus a production office.  Studio B is 18,000 sq. ft. with 22 feet high ceiling with a 1600 sq. ft. mezzanine plus 5000 sq. ft. office space.  Inside studio A is a 20 foot high, 42 foot radius green screen.  Fully equipped with cameras, sound, gripping, and lighting equipment.  In the back is where the main offices are located.  When you first enter the building is a receptionist counter/ desk, along with a waiting area with movie posters on the wall.  To the left is a glass wall separating the waiting area and a production meeting room with a long table.  The office building as a small kitchen with many separate offices.  Upstairs is a huge sound booth.  At the time I was there, the sound booth was under construction.   Along with all your need for production equipment, they also have on-site cop cars and an ambulance.  The first time I was there was the first time I met Jeremy Settles wife, Rhonda.  Rhonda books jobs and in-charge of pay roll.  At the time (two Years ago) Jeremy was seriously thinking about buying the property.  This is part of a producer’s job, to find locations for production.  This studio is so big and professional; it’s pretty much too big and professional for Las Vegas.  I say that because of the cost to lease it out.  But there are occasions where a big name performer or a big production will lease it.  As for someone like me, it’s too expensive for my productions.  As a producer it’s my job to know about all potential studio’s that are available around Las Vegas.  As for this one, it’s over my budget.  But if something happens to arrive where I need a space like this, I know where to turn too.

Week 8 Photo Challenge: You as the Professional

     Here I am fresh out of the shower.  I set up the light by using a bounce card on a c-stand and used 650 tungsten.  I ironed my suit and got ready for this picture.  I had my wife take the shot. Unfortunately she's not much of a photographer because it's a bit out of focus.  I don't know how she managed to get it out of focus because I set the camera up for her and took a test shot of her.  The image was fine.  I would reconsider retaking the shot over but I had a hard time getting ready for this shot.  This past Thursday I started feeling sick.  My head started hurting so I went to bed early.  In the middle of the night I woke up feeling very sick.  My whole body was aching and I had a high fever.  My wife gave me some medicine and put a cold damp rag over my forehead.  I was miserable. I spent the last four days in bed.  Today (Tuesday) I felt a little bit better but I've had a head ache the entire day.  This definitely but a damper in my plans.  This Friday I have my review.  I planned on getting everything I needed done for it out of the way early so I can focus on this class.  Now I'm behind and don't know if I will be able to make it into class tomorrow (Wednesday).  My wife took our kids to the doctor today to get there flu shots.  She told the doctor that I have the flu.  He asked her when I got it.  She told him Thurs.  He told her I got at least three more days.  I'm hoping I will feel better tomorrow; I have a lot of work to do.

Week 8 EOC: Importance of a Producer

      The movie producer is responsible for all the business arrangements of film production. From the budget to the hiring of the actors, director and crew and acquiring or providing the financing to complete the project, the producer is the general overseer of a movie from conception to completion. The producer is also responsible for lining up distribution and submitting the film to festivals.  A producer is generally the most important person when it comes to getting a film made and released. This is why the Oscar for Best Picture is always given to a film's producer, not the director. The director, while being artistically indispensable, is a hired hand of the producer. Often times, especially among independent filmmakers, the director and the producer can be the same person.  A producer can be one person or team of people. Other types of producers are the executive producer, the line producer and the associate producer. An executive producer is generally well-heeled, well-known and less involved in the day-to-day production. A line producer is often the busiest person on a film set, making sure what happens each day falls within the budget. An associate producer is a more wide-ranging position: an assistant to the producer. The associate producer might also be the production coordinator, making sure that everyone on staff is where they need to be and being paid what they need to be paid.


Law: Producers, like other employees, will be protected by federal and state labor laws.  However, the producer may be treated as an independent contractor if she is working through her won company, such as a loan-out company.    pg.180- Th Pocket Lawyer for Filmmakers

Generally speaking, a producer who contracts with another independent producer or independent production company will obtain a better position with respect to issues such as intellectual property rights, creative approval, net profit definitions, credit, and so forth than she would receive if she were to contract with a larger film studio or network. Of course, the downside of working outside the studio system is that the film  may have a harder time finding financing in the beginning or finding distribution when it is complete. pg. 172 Th Pocket Lawyer for Filmmakers

Week 7 Photo Challenge: Screenplay Cover

     This picture was taking of me at Teller's Birthday party about 5 years ago.  I got invited to Teller's birthday one year when I first moved here.  They had the entire guest meet at this house in the middle of the desert.  I don't remember for sure where.  There were about fifteen of us and two makeup artists from Los Angeles.  Teller wasn't there yet.  The makeup artist painted us as zombies and we went out to this old cemetery and waited for Teller.  Out of nowhere a helicopter flew off to us.  We all started walking like zombies and when the helicopter dropped Teller off we all walked up to him and started grabbing him.  We went back to the house and they got him all painted up and then we ate.  After lunch we went and road four wheelers in the sand dunes.  Teller feel off his once.  After that, we went and had a scavenger hunt in a junk yard.  I had lots of fun. I met Teller through my lawyer in Cincinnati.  He is a huge Teller fan and he would send Teller gifts he thought were neat for no reason.  And every time he came to Vegas he would go see Penn & Teller.  After the show Teller would invite him to visit back in there greeting room called "The Monkey Room” It was called that because they had monkey's everywhere scattered throughout the room. When I moved out here, Bob (Lawyer) set me up to meet Teller.  We've been friends ever since . . .

Week 7 EOC: My Opinion on Optimal Resume

     I believe the Optimal Resume is a very handy tool.  It guides you through the process of creating a professional resume.  It helps you to place the right information about yourself and leave out the undesirable stuff.  What I don't like about it is, it waste a lot of usable space.  You want to keep your resume a page long.  Because of the space between sections, it makes it hard to squeeze all your info on a single page.  Having a resume is very important when seeking for a job.  With the help of Optimal Resume, it helps your chances of landing that job.

Week 6 Photo Challenge: Special Effects

I created this a couple a quarters ago with Mr. Carter.  He showed the class all the new equipment we got in the video room.  I didn't want to waste the opportunity to use all this great equipment so I came up with an idea, flames in my hand.  To create this effect I had to use my skills I developed in Mr. Baker’s class, matchmoving.  I didn't use matchmoving, instead I used camera matching.  I first setup all my lights to shoot on the green screen.  This was easy, all I had to do was turn on the pre-installed lights.  Then I set-up up my camera angle.  I was working all by myself so being the camera man and the actor wasn't that easy.  After I set-up the camera, I measured the height of the camera.  Then I took an apple box and measured all sides.  I placed the apple box on the end of an arm to a c-stand at a 9o degree angle.  I placed it right in front of the camera where I would be standing.  I then measured the height of the apple box and the length of it away from the lens of the camera.  All these measurements are very important know to create your virtual camera within Maya.  It takes the guess work away.  After I got all my measurements, I started rehearsing my actions.  I decided to walk into frame from the right side, hold my hand out, and open my hand at the same time looking at it, with my hand open I would twist with my waist making sure not to move my arm.  I knew it would make my work easier if I didn't move my arm as I twist.  Then I extended my hand out to the camera to show the audience the flame, and then I looked up to the camera, gave a grin, and then blew the flame and quickly walked out of frame.  After I got done recording, I checked out my work on the computer.  The system is really cool because as you record on these studio cameras, it records directly in Final Cut which is in the studio.  In Maya, I setup some bones that followed my arm action and I created a fire effect and parented to the end of my rig.  After rendering it out I brought it into After Effects.  I used a video clip of flame bursting out as I blew it.  I also took out the green background and replaced it with an image I found on the web.

Week 6: How do I see my role starting in the industry?

     I have been in the Video Production industry here in Vegas for over 2 years.  I started as a grip working for Jeremy Settles who is the owner of Got Films.  I have worked on a Feature Film "The Gambler" which is a Hungarian Production as a "Grip".  From there I have worked as a Grip/ Utility for Got Films on productions from Spike TV, Bravo, and Showtime.  I proven my skills to Jeremy as a camera operator on a Got Films Pilot and Spike TV reality show "UFC Ultimate".  From their I've been hired as a Camera Operator by Got Films to shoot on American Restoration and Vegas Casino.  I see myself continuing working for Got Films on feature projects and shows for whatever job.  Continuing to build my resume.  As I'm working on production, I will continue developing my 3D/ post-production skills to become a diverse player in the industry.  

Week 5 Photo Challenge: In the Director's Chair

     It was around midnight on Tuesday when I started this project.  I got caught up with the whole valentine thing with my wife, so I had to started it later then I wanted to.  I constructed this by first setting up my camera angle.  I had to be sure of showing the director along with the camera operator and the actors.  After I established my angle I setup up the left side of the green screen and the lighting.  I then took my first shoot without me in it to create half of my background.  Without moving my camera, I jumped into the director's chair and set my pose as if I was shouting out "ACTION!".  My next shot was the camera operator.  I set my camera to be on a ten second timer.  It took me one take.  After I got the director and cam operator out of the way, I had to set up the right side of the room.  I moved my green screen over on the other side which was held up by a C-Stand and a Baby Stand.  When moving your set, I knew not to move my lighting or else things won't match up.  I took a few takes on my action shots.  I wanted to make sure the ball was in the air and I had to look like I was going to catch the ball.  I decided to use my Redskins clothing to create continuity and for an appealing shot.  I then brought all images into photoshop and setup my layers.  I started first with my background then the actors, cam op, and at last the director.  I cut everything out using "Masking".  As I was using the same technique to cut-out the Director, I thought to myself that their must be an easier way.  I googled "how to cutout background Photoshop".  I found a video tutorial on youtube using the "erase background" which is found under the erase tool.  I didn't fully understand how to use the erase background tool.  I kept on trying and trying and couldn't figure it out.  I then crossed my legs under my desk and my foot hit the head plug, my entire computer shut down.  Luckly, I had saved my project and only had to re-due one part.  I ended up learning how to use the tool, it is quit easy.  It ended up saving me a lot of time.  I recommend learning it.  I finished up around 3 in the morning.  I knew I had to wake up at 7 so I decided to write this first thing in the morning in-class.  

Week 5 EOC: Progress towards my Four Professional Contacts and Progress on Networking

Week 5 EOC: Progress towards my Four Professional Contacts and Progress on Networking

My first objective was to find all my professional contacts which had the minimum driving distance using Google search.  Once I found them, I mapped out my route.  I started with my bank.  I went to Bank of America and found a small business/ mortgage specialist right away.  I didn’t even have to ask to see someone or ask for a card.  All their cards were out for the taking on the greeting desk.  Once I got my bank card, I head for my Attorney card, their office is on West Tropicana between 215 and Durango.  When I pulled in, I noticed there were a lot of small offices.  In this one location I found all my contacts.  I didn’t talk to talk to any of them.  All I did was walk in and ask for their business cards and they handed me one.  It was that easy.  Because of this one location saved me gas and mileage.

My progress on Networking is a constant effort.  I showed up at Blue Agency were Rusty Myers (local Actor) hold a get together for film makers every month on the last Thursday of the month at 7:00.  Last time his students perform a few short skits.   Unfortunately he has moved to on Wednesday and I wasn’t told.  I will be going to the Dam Short Film Festival this weekend Feb 9-11 in Boulder City.  I never was to one before so I am looking forward to it.

Week 4 Photo Challenge: Original Movie Poster

       Kirk Cob (Tom Cruz) controls the entire area of Death Valley with his supped-up Lamborghini Murcielago.  A year ago his daughter was brutally raped and killed by a motorcycle gang who traffics drugs from Mexico to Las Vegas. Filled with anger, he stops for nothing to revenge his daughter.  His goal is to kill all drug smugglers and motorcycle gangs who dare to cross his plains.  He is equipped with a 44 Magnum and a Spyderco knife.  Police have been finding bodies all over the desert, including the Devils Hole.  Throughout his travels, he picks up a gorgeous young woman (Megan Fox) hitch hiking.   Kirk discovers that the gorgeous young lady is part of the motorcycle gang that killed his daughter.  He decides to go undercover as a potential gang member.  The lady introduces him to his boyfriend who is the leader of the gang.  Kirk believes he might have involvement in killing his daughter.  Kirk becomes friends with Tim.  He discovers that Tim is the actual killer. But this story doesn't have a happy ending.  Watch to find out what happens along that dirty lonely road in the middle of nowhere called "Death Valley"!

Week 4 EOC: Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Self Image Production

Self Image Production is a new 3D Studio that specializes in realistic 3D Modeling, Animation, Match Moving, Visual Effects, and Compositing. Our 3D Models quality is focused on the reflection of the original object.  Object range from people to hard surface items such as a car or plane.  These models could be uses for film, Television, games, or advertisement.  Match Moving is a Visual Effect that allows the insertion of computer graphics into live-action footage with correct position, scale, orientation, and motion relative to the photographed objects in the shot.  Match Moving is used when a production budget couldn’t produce the real thing.  It saves the production time and money or, if it’s just not possible to do.  Our Match Moving Package include; Match Moving, 3D Modeling, 3D Animation, 3D Effects, Camera Tracking, Camera Matching, and Compositing.  Our goal is to constantly deliver engaging and compelling digital effects. 

Our services also provide Video Production.  Our services include; Camera Operator, Gaffer, Grip, Utility, and PA.  We have partnership with “Got films?” for 2 years which provide Full-service film and video productions services and equipment rental.  Self Image Production is an expansion of Got Films which is the Art Department.

Week 3 Photo Challenge: Storyboard for a commercial

Debra is standing outside the Cashier overlooking the playing tables at South Point.  She’s not much of a gambler and couldn’t decide which game to play.  She closes her eyes and clears her thoughts, she opens her eyes.  The first table she sees was the Roulette table.  She turns around and heads to the cashier to get some money.  After she empty’s her pocket book, she struts to the playground with her favorite blue dress and her lucky blue shoes, as if she’s the only one in the casino.  She approaches the Roulette table with the up-most confidence.  She slaps her money all on Black and says “Let it Ride!”  The Dealer spins the ball.  Debra is cool as a cat.  The ball spins around and around.  Debra then says to her “What did I do?  I don’t know how to gamble, I never gambled before in my whole life!” She stares at the ball as if her life depends on it. Her heart is thumping faster and faster.  As the ball starts to slow down her life flashes upon her eyes.  The ball suddenly starts bouncing from one slot to the next.  She stops breathing.  Then just like that, it stops.  It lands on black Thirteen.  Debra is overwhelmed with joy.  She throws her arms up and starts to scream.  Jumping up and down, around and around.  She is so happy.  She grabs her winnings with delight.  Before leaving the table, she thinks about her two boys who are back at home.  She never thought she would see them ever again.  Then she says to herself “Only in Fabulous Las Vegas!”

I made this storyboard like no other I have ever seen.  The images are all presented extremely clear.  I used Maya and Poser to create this storyboard.  Using this method, gives me the ability to capture the camera angles, effects, and lighting that leaves no guessing work to a potential Executive Producer or Crew Members.

Week 3 EOC: Where am I now, and where am I going?

     As of right now, I'm on my last quarter of school.  My skills as a 3D Artist as grown pretty strong.  I ‘ve worked hard in school through out my classes.  I feel my camera matching class has benefit me the most.  It allowed me to apply my 3D models into video footage.  My other classes has gave me the opportunity to develop projects that involved 3D compositing.  Out side of class, I spend some time watching Video tutorials at Digital Tutors or I work on my models for my feature project.  Right now I'm creating a F-22 Raptor (Fighter Jet) that will blow-up the Hoover Dam.  Where I plan to go out of school is a job in a studio.  What I don’t know is what city.  Hopefully I can find a job here in Vegas.  If I have to, I’ll find work in Los Angeles.  If I can’t find a Studio job, I’ll find work in Video Production.  Regardless what I’ll be doing, I will be working in the industry.  I will be constantly be developing my skills as a 3D Artist.  Since I work on a computer, I don’t plan to retire.  Only way I will stop, is if I physically can’t do it any more, or I die.  All I know I have to start making money.  I need to be able to support my family.  I can’t wait to see my wife’s face when I start making a substance about of money where it comes to a point where she can quit her job.

Week 2 Photo Challenge: Professional Photo of you working

    I was hired by Gotfilms? To work Utility for a Vh1 production at Giordano Theatre in the Fashion Show Mall Friday, January 13th 2012.  My jobs consist of setup, lighting, and wrapping.  On this particular job, I help Cam A (Jeremy Settles) setup his camera (Sony pmw-f3).  We had to setup his camera on a shoulder mount rig; we had a hard time figuring it out.  We had too many things to put on and not enough room.  This included the Camera, Battery, Lite-panel, and Display Monitor.  It doesn't sound like much, but the Battery and the Monitor were both huge.  Then we had the handles and the shoulder mount as well.  At the end, we got it together just in time to shoot.  After we had the camera all set, I and Gabe (P.A.) setup two Diva's which I changed the globes from 2900 degrees to 5600.  During the shoot Nick Timmons (from the boy band "98 Degrees) showed the host (Catherine Reitman) his new upcoming stage that was presently being built.  It was my job then to follow them around with Sun Guns.  Suns Guns are handheld cordless lights with a battery belt pack which I had to cover with 4 layers of CTB (Color Temperature Blue).  During Nick Timmons interview, he talked about how he is from Ohio and that he is the host at the Chippendale show.  During a location break, I went up to Nick and told him I was from Ohio and I also was a Lead Dancer with the Chippendales.  We talked a little bit and found out that Nick is a very nice guy.  I got invited to the show to hang out once it's completed.  Overall, the production went really well.

Week 2 EOC: Get Some Copyright Law Under Your Belt

http://copyright.gov/title17/

This site is the complete version of the U.S. Copyright Law as of September 2011.  Which includes title of 17 of the United States Code.  It also includes the amendments in 2009 and 2010 extending the section 119 satellite statutory license.  Localism Act of 2010 and Satellite Television Extension are also included.  Corrections Act of 2010, Copyright Cleanup, and Clarification are also included.  This website is where you can register your work online to take advantage of the law at full force to protect your Intellectual property.  There goal is to provide the best public service and the best quality product.

http://www.benedict.com/

This site gives you examples of all the major industries about copyright laws.

You get instant online rights to Use, Share and Distibut Copyrighted Content.

The Internet has been Characterized as the largest threat to copyright since its inception.  The Internet is awash in information, much of it with varying degrees of copyright protection.  Copyrighted work on the net include news stories, software, novels, screenplays, graphics, pictures, Usenet messages and even email.  In fact, the frightening reality is that almost everything on the Net is protected by copyright law.

http://www.morishitalawfirm.com/

This is a lawyer here in Vegas which Copyright Laws, INtellectual Property is there major Practice.
There fim handles legal matters in the follwing practice areas: Intellectual Property, Patent, Trademark, Copyright, Unfair Competition, Trade Secret and Internet Law.  Licensing Agreements.
8960 W. Tropican Avenue, Suite 300 Las Vegas NV 89147
Phone: 702-222-2113
Fax: 702-227-0615

http://lib.law.washington.edu/ref/copylaw.html

This site gives you Primary Sources of Copy Right Lawshttp://www.benedict.com/
Copyright law is primarily federal law.  This research guide focuses on primary and secondary sources of information about United States copyright law.  It includes a final section covering primary and secondary sources on foreign and international copyright laws and treaties in English.

Intellectual Property_Week 2

The internet to me is my learning source to my 3d art.  Without it, I could see my self really struggling learning new skills that would improve my 3d work.  This could prevent me getting a job in post-production.  Networking is a big part of finding a job.  I would no longer have a website where potential clients could see my work.   It also prevents me from viewing other Artist work.  Viewing other Artist work can be motivating and may influence my next project.  All my financing is done on the internet along with a lot of other people.  Point is, a lot of things are done over the internet.  Without it, simple task would have to be done by hand.  Which means people would have to get in their cars a drive.  That means a lot more people would have to spend more of their money on gas.  So, gas prices would go up.  The internet has become a big part of everyone’s  lives.  Without it, their might just be a riot.

Week 1 Photo Challenge: Film Festival

http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/12929541/the-unappreciated-son

     This is the story of a father who is trying to get closer to his son by giving him a model airplane for Christmas so they can do something together, but the son doesn't seem to care.  He is a 12 year old boy who has hormones that are changing and is going through a hard time.  He feels his parents no longer care about him anymore and that he can and knows everything about life.  To me is trying to figure how to be cool and how to act around his peers.  He also has a girlfriend for the first time and might feel a little embarrassed around his parents when talking about her.  It's around 8:00 pm and Charlie is in his room face booking on his computer he got for his birthday.  His father enters his room and asks Charlie about the location of the model plane.  Charlie tells him he has looked in his room but can't find it.  Charlie’s father knows it’s in there because he put it on his desk the day after Christmas.  He confronts Charlie about it.  Charlie tells him he has looked all over but can’t find it.  Charlie’s dad takes one step and locates it leaning against his desk.  He tells Charlie that he didn’t even try looking for it because it took him two seconds to find it.  Charlie sticks with his story and says he looked and that he couldn’t find it. Charlie's father tells him that if he didn’t like it he could have simply said so.  Charlie’s father leaves him room very disappointed. 

Week 1 EOC: What Sacrifices are you willing to make for your Career?

     When I think about the sacrifices I would make for my career, it intrigues me and scares me.  What scares me the most (well as everybody else) is not finding a job.  I believe I can find work fast in Los Angeles, due to my Production experience.  I have bean working for Got Films, a Production Company here in Las Vegas for well over a year now.  I've worked on Productions such as: The Gambler (Gip) http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3922033/, UFC Ultimate Fighter (Camera Operator, Grip), Pauly Shore's Vegas Is My Oyster on Showtime (PA), The Howard Stern Show (PA), MTV Real World (Grip & Utility), and various productions (Camera Operator, Gaffer, Grip, & Utility).  Going to L.A. is what intriques me and scares me.  It intriques me because that is what I want to do.  I want to be part of making movies.  I would like to help set up visual effects shots and then work on them in post.  What scares me is having to leave my family behind for weeks to months at a time.  We just recently bought a house here, my wife work is here, my kids school and friends are here, and my mom moved here from Ohio a year ago.  So, if I can't find work here in Vegas, I'll have to scarifice my family time for my career.