C-Jak Music Video - "Destroy"

About five weeks ago, local Recording Artist C-Jak contacted me about shooting a music video. He wanted something simple, yet symbolic of his city. We decided to shoot in front of the newly constructed Amway Arena.

T2i Sharpness

100% crop of raw T2i footage

When DSLRs entered into the world of video, many criticized the sharpness of the image. Being that I am not as experienced as most, I simply rolled with the punches. After all, I am completely satisfied with the imagery I am producing with my camcorder, although I know I can still learn a lot more. What concerned me is how so many could be on opposite ends of the war. Either people loved the DSLR, and praised it as "film-like" or people complained about sharpness and rolling shutter. No matter what equipment you have, if you are paying sub $10k it is because you are lacking features that are otherwise available.

So I decided to leave all of the talk behind, and do my own research. Breathtaking videos started surfacing all over the net, most noticeably that of Vincent Laforet and Philip Bloom. Even considering the limitations of the small cameras, the capabilities far outweigh the sacrifices. And as far as being sharp, well, they look pretty dang sharp to me! The above image is a 100% crop of a music video I am currently editing. Focusing was done using the LCD screen in almost direct sunlight (due the rear reflection which was used as fill!).

Now would I say you can get sharper imagery from a camcorder? Yes you can, but expect to pay at least 3x the cost of a DSLR. As it has been proven, they can produce stunning footage when used by the right people. Just as with every other tool in the industry, you must know the limitations and how to use what you are presented with. As of now I still prefer the image of my XH-A1, but considering all things, the T2i is a sweet camera, provides stunning footage and will always be optional as an A or B camera.

Google Instant

Google has released it's new product Google Instant, which has informally taking the title Google Live Search. This tool performs the search function as you type. Google estimates that the typical user spends nine seconds entering a query and 15 seconds looking for answers1. Claims have been made that say this new feature will take between 2 and 5 seconds off of this time. Check it out! www.google.com

1. source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11239037

My Eeeeyyyyes On You

If anyone knows me, they know my only fear is spiders. The reason this is my only fear is because no matter how many times I try to conquer it, it still haunts me every single time I encounter one. This time, I try to conquer the fear by trying to get some interesting shots of this guy, nestled by my fireplace.

A Fighting Chance - Documentary

I just got some great news from one of the Directors, our film is now the second most popular on Hulu.com!! I would like to thank everyone for their support. The film will be available for preview for only one more week online. If you miss it, the television premiere will be on ESPN in November.

Get in touch with Kyle: http://twitter.com/kylemaynard

Directors: Takashi Doscher & Alex Shofner
Producers: Ted Leonsis & Rick Allen
Music by: Mike Dorsey
Camera Operators:
Ross Sebek
Curtis Harper
Ryan Moulton
Asher Emmanuel
David Torcivia
John Merizalde

Dumb and Dumber Trailer - Inception Style

I've seen plenty of trailer remakes, even done a few myself (would never post them online). When doing a remake, you really have to consider everything that goes into making a trailer. It is not just a few scenes slapped together. You must consider ambience, sound fx, transitions and storyline. Also you will find most good trailers have a voice overlay. One thing I really like is when someone remakes a trailer well, and also reconveys the genre. The Dumb and Dumber remake is one of the best I've scene (hehe).

Click here for the official trailer and info page for Inception (2010).

Carlos Ferragamo - Writing Rhymes Remix

I was contacted by Bronx native Carlos Ferragamo to shoot his latest music video, "Writing Rhymes Remix."

Credits:
Artist - Carlos Ferragamo
Director - Curtis Harper
Editor - Curtis Harper