The project entailed utilizing a few assets provided by Marvel, such as the X-Men logo, a couple poster stills, and their trailer. My goal was to make something palatable for social networks (:15 for Instagram & :30 for Twitter & Facebook), and so we pulled the Apocalypse character into the mix, breaking his still image down to animatable sections in Photoshop, then giving him some life in After Effects.
Creativity: Expression vs Order
I had the joy of visiting Galerie Michael in Beverly Hills, CA where numerous rare pieces of art are on exhibit. My personal preferences are in strong lines, use of color, and texture,…
Creativity: An Introduction
We’ll take a look at various facets of this beautiful, yet volatile trait with the hope of not only establishing a deeper understanding, but also developing a stronger ability to to tap into your unique creative talents in your future pursuits.
Purpose + Personal Strength + Passion = Destiny
Most everyone born in the later half of the 20th Century is familiar with the 1981 Oscar-winning film Chariots of Fire (Best Picture, Best Original Music Score, Best Original Screenplay, Best Costume Design + 3 additional nominations), featuring the story of runner Eric Liddell. The Olympic gold medal recipient has influenced many following his days on the track, leaving various quotes and statements in his interviews while also demonstrating them in his life of service. One such statement has proven to be a North Star, of sorts, for me, and the longer I work with industry professionals it proves itself over and over. Liddell said, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast! And when I run I feel his pleasure.”
Building an Effective Animation for a Marvel Comics X-Men Apocalypse Promo
I recently took on what looked like an enjoyable project via talenthouse.com for Marvel’s upcoming X-Men Apocalypse film, being released May 27, and it didn’t disappoint!
Church Tech: Doing Your Best When You Don’t Have the Best
Some time ago, I read Mike Sessler’s article “Do a Good Job,” and I was reminded that it’s rare for most church tech guys to get what they feel they need in order to perform their jobs as well as they think they should. Mike’s bent is more on the fact that doing well will result in growth and an increase of tools – a biblical model that effective stewardship results in greater trust, reward, and added responsibility. Yet, the current scenario in the local ministry where I serve has found us milking as much as we can out of our gear, pushing for excellence, yet still seeing a reduction of output. Here are my thoughts on the matter…
Fix It in Post: Overview of Editor’s Choices in Film Production
After all the footage is captured for a film/video project, the video editor holds the most powerful set of tools to set the tone, create interest, and to move the story forward in a logical format. Shot angles are chosen, bad shots are tossed or fixed, and the sequence of events are adjusted to retain viewer curiosity and build through the climax to conclusion.
I’ve found in working with editors that they bring their own sense of perspective to the table, and a director must acknowledge that.
Pixar’s 22 Rules to Phenomenal Storytelling
…links for authors and screenplay writers to follow in creating meaningful stories…
Balancing Lighting and Video for TV Broadcast
Most people think of the bottom line when it comes down to purchasing new equipment, and cost is certainly a consideration. However, if cost is your only connection, you are likely a bit short-sighted. Trinity’s Media Department has been recommending the benefits of newer camera technology for years, noting greater creativity and enhanced connection of online & TV viewers to the captured shot. Obviously, this doesn’t pay the bills…
Making it in Hollywood: An Interview with Actor Mark Atteberry
Every year, thousands head to Los Angeles, CA with the hopes of becoming icons for the film industry. Those that are in the mix will you tell you it’s certainly not as easy as one would think. Overnight success is a rarity, and very few find the gleaming lights of public notoriety and stardom. If one wants to navigate properly through the maze of connections he or she can find help from those who have already found some success in the business.
Enter, Hollywood Connect. Hollywood Connect (HC) exists to “[equip] creative artists and professionals to thrive personally and professionally in the arts, media, and entertainment industries” (HC website). HC hosted a well-attended Q&A with Mr. Mark Atteberry recently, and in this gathering, Shun Lee Fong led discussion and then fielded several questions from the audience to get Mark’s responses. I took notes feverishly and thought to share the wisdom – with Mark’s approval, of course.
Stage & Lighting Design: “On the Other Side of the Tracks”
I was fortunate to work with fellow creatives at Trinity Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida to create an eye-catching backdrop for a recent conference, specifically, handling the lighting aspect. Jonathan…