The Wedding Filmmakers Alliance Of Creative Talent Forum is an active online community comprised of the most creative and successful wedding film & video artists in the world.
By joining our community, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other wedding videographers, respond to polls, view exclusive video content, participate in our competitions and access many other special features.
Our very first (patent pending) Titan mattebox shipped today. This box to our knowledge is the first fully height adjustable swing-away mattebox in the world. Because it incorporates a carbon fibre/CNC aluminum frame it also serves as an incredibly strong handle, grip, and mount point for mics, lights etc. We've provided 3 shoe mounts up top. The box concept originated from one of our guys Chris (comes from 10 years as a professional grip) mentioning that a lot of shooters at the major motion picture level liked grabbing onto their mattebox when shooting. I also have always been pestered when tossing rigs into the back of my car and getting flags beat up. Another issue we've seen is that none of the swing away boxes we've seen on the market lock solidly enough to operate rattle free on a car mount.
This box solves all of these issues taking a vertical or side load into the 400lb range, being height adjustable, offering mount points up top for monitors, our 15mm carbon rails, mics, or just for use as a handle. If that's not enough, we also provide integrated mounts for 15mm or 19mm RED rails systems with no adapters required :-) The box can be locked into position rock solidly and as you can tell is fully supported both left and right. We've provided a magnetic catch for folks who want super fast access to the filters. Becasue we're using carbon fibre and aluminum materials on the chassis, it's incredibly light.
The box is fully modular meaning folks wanting the 3 individual rotatng 4x5.6 trays will have them shortly as a user swappable component. Our video covering the box and it's use on the Cinevate's DSLR shoot rig for the Canon 5D MkII is already up at Cinevate's Video University.
It's the latest buzz: using the Canon 5D for HD video. You’ve probably seen it's amazing images and heard about some of its limitations. During this program we'll go into more depth by having Andrew share his personal experience, provide some guidance on how to use it effectively, and make some recommendations if you're considering purchasing. He'll discuss workflow, limitations, accessories, total investment cost, and pricing to clients. Whether you're interested in using this camera or just staying on top of the technology, this is your opportunity to get many of your questions answered!
Here is a summary of the topics to be presented:
- Canon 5D workflow for video
- Camera limitations and how to work around them
- Important accessories
- Total investment cost
- Client pricing
Live Webcast starts at 6:30pm PST Hit the "Reload" button on the bottom left to view at that time.
Every month, WedFACT will post clips from a wedding film-maker who we think deserve additional attention brought to the inspiring work they are producing.
I've always been drawn to the easy, relaxed style of shooting and editing that Living Lens captures and this clip is no exception. Peter and Emily have a way of telling the story of the wedding day in a manner that is true and natural while maintaining the exquisite beauty of the day. When I came across this trailer I knew it was something special.
We hope you enjoy it as well. Check out more of Living Lens' work on their blog.
"They're doing something that's emotional, that's powerful you know and they create these five minute amazing clips that just get me. I stop what I'm doing." - Zacuto's Steve Weiss describing Wedding Filmmakers and the art they produce.
Webisode 10 brings you a brand new cast of FilmFellas. Each fella has a different approach to online media, but they do agree on one thing, media is changing and it’s changing fast. Steve opens with the classic and sometimes risky exercise of “say what you think of first”. Each cast member is hit with a variety of terms from web video to social networking and the responses may shock you. Conversation quickly turns to the idea of how physical media is shifting to online media.
Edward Seaton explains, “It depends on how quickly technology can catch up with the idea of online distribution and watching things in a different format.”
Taking that a step further, the cast discusses how advances in home entertainment have also affected the idea of physical media. Technology, again, needs to find a flawless way however, to connect this online content with the home theater equipment. The immediacy of online content creates a roadblock that other lines of media have yet to overcome. Check out the conversation and see what it sparks for you.
Secaucus, NJ (May 6, 2009) – Panasonic today announced pricing for the highly-anticipated LUMIX DMC-GH1, the new Micro Four Thirds digital camera with Full-High Definition (HD) video recording ability, which will be available in early June for a suggested retail price of $1499.95. The LUMIX DMC-GH1 includes the LUMIX G VARIO 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. lens as part of the kit. The new lens, designed to support HD movie recording, features a silent motor and continuous auto focusing (AF) capability – a differentiator from traditional DSLRs.
In the U.S., the LUMIX GH1 will be available in black and has advanced photography features, such as the ability to record AVCHD 1080p/24p High Definition video, yet is easy enough for entry-level users to understand and take beautiful photos and videos. With Panasonic’s iA (Intelligent Auto) mode* - a user-friendly setting made popular in the LUMIX line of digital point-and-shoot camera products, both entry-level and more experienced DSLR users can enjoy a complete suite of technologies that allow beautiful photo-taking and engage automatically – no setting adjustments needed.
For those looking for more creative control in their digital camera, the LUMIX GH1 can adjust shutter speed during motion recording, giving the videos a special look, particularly suitable for shooting fast-moving subjects. Also, the LUMIX GH1 allows users to control the aperture, which is convenient when there are several subjects at varying distances. By adjusting the aperture, the user can focus on the foreground and blur the background – or vice versa – even during video recording.
“Since redefining the traditional DSLR category last year with the LUMIX G1 – which eliminated the internal mirror and thus dramatically reduced size of the camera body and lenses – Panasonic has been working to expand its award-winning LUMIX G Micro Four Thirds System line. Panasonic wants to offer increasingly innovative products and features that make photography fun and easy,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “The introduction of the LUMIX GH1, allows photographers of all levels to take superior quality photos and shoot HD video with a more compact, easy-to-use camera that provides increased creative capabilities.”
The LUMIX GH1 provides cutting-edge video recording features, including the ability to record high-resolution full HD (1920 x1080) video at 24 fps or smooth HD video (1280 x 720) at 60 fps using an AVCHD format (MPEG-4/H.264), which provides the important benefit of doubling the HD quality recording time compared with Motion JPEG. The LUMIX GH1 features a dedicated video record button on the back of the camera which lets users instantly start recording videos, even while shooting still photos – removing the fear of potentially missing a must-see video moment.
For more information about the Panasonic LUMIX G Micro Four Thirds System, including the award-winning LUMIX G1, and to place a pre-order for the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH1, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix & www.panasonic.net/avc/lumix/.
From Keith Anderson | President
Illinois Videographer's Association
The Illinois Videographers Association is hosting the third annual Midwest Expo on May 20, 2009 at the William Tell Holiday Inn in Countryside, Illinois. This year's event features a blockbuster lineup of nationally recognized speakers. Scheduled to conduct the information packed seminars are Chris Chibucos of Furla Vision in Bannockburn, IL, Patrick Moreau & Michael Y. Wong of Stillmotion in Mississauga, Ontario Canada, Kevin Shahinian of Pacific Pictures in Los Angeles, CA, Lance Gray of PixelPops Design in Richardson, TX, and Keith Kelly of Innovative Communications in Naperville, IL. Our curriculum offers something for everyone. Each speaker was chosen based on their expertise in their respective fields. If you have not seen the work that these incredibly talented people produce, please take a moment to get acquainted with some of the best producers on the planet!
The cost is $75.00 for early bird admission and includes a full lunch buffet featuring hot entrees. However, after April 21st the rate will be $90.00. Pay online securely or simply mail a check (payable to the IVA) to:
Barb Scheman
4400 S. Gage Ave
Lyons, IL 60534
An early bird room rate is also available for only $102 per night and includes a full hot breakfast buffet. (Mention IVA when making reservation)The special early bird rates are only available through April 21st --- with limited seating and big savings you should act quickly! This year's event features a great location with a multitude of amenities. The William Tell Holiday Inn offers an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, game room, restaurant, lounge and free internet access. The close proximity to downtown Chicago is sure to attract attendees from throughout the Midwest.
There also will be a mini-trade show. Sponsors and exhibitors are encouraged to apply immediately as space will be limited! Special pricing on equipment and supplies will be available to attendees.
You have been given the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business! Will you jump at the chance or will you simply go back to your everyday activities and just try to survive? If you want to take your business to the next level, the 3rd annual IVA Midwest Expo is a day you simply can't afford to miss. Six gifted producers will openly share priceless information in an intimate learning environment. This is the must attend video event of the spring!
Keith Anderson | President
Illinois Videographers Association
NIKON'S D5000 DIGITAL SLR CAMERA EXPANDS POSSIBILITIES FOR PHOTO AND HD VIDEO CREATIVITY WITH D-MOVIE MODE, VARI-ANGLE LCD MONITOR AND 19 AUTOMATIC SCENE MODES
MELVILLE, N.Y. (April 14, 2009) – Nikon Inc. today introduced the new D5000, a digital SLR camera with a host of features and capabilities that deliver superior performance and image quality along with amazing versatility for photo enthusiasts and those new to digital SLR photography. Leveraging Nikon’s expertise and innovative technologies found in its pro-level D-SLRs, the 12.3-megapixel D5000 enables users to capture exceptionally stunning images and High Definition video with remarkable ease.
Whether consumers are progressing from a point-and-shoot digital camera or looking to upgrade their current digital SLR and elevate their photographic expression, the D5000 serves as an ideal solution. First time D-SLR photographers will appreciate logical and easy-to-use controls, while creative enthusiasts will appreciate the D5000’s robust combination of features, technologies and performance. The D5000 boasts a versatile 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD monitor that encourages shooting with a fresh perspective, Nikon’s revolutionary D-Movie Mode and expanded automatic Scene Modes, delivering superior Nikon innovation in a compact, user-friendly design.
“The Nikon D5000 represents a cornerstone in Nikon’s D-SLR line, marrying simplicity and instructive features with superior technology and HD video, allowing the user’s ability and creativity to grow—with the camera,” said Edward Fasano, General Manager for marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon Inc. “While its easy-to-use design will attract first-time D-SLR photographers, the D5000’s rich feature set and high performance will also appeal immediately to more experienced enthusiasts. The D5000 is sure to inspire creativity and originality.”
Broadened Creativity and Adaptability
Photographers can easily compose stunning images on the Vari-angle LCD monitor that they can view in a normal position fitting securely within the camera back, or swung out to be rotated or tilted. The monitor can also be stowed with the LCD panel tucked against the camera back to protect the screen when not in use. This tremendous freedom of movement, along with four Live View autofocus shooting modes, affords users the opportunity to shoot from a multitude of imaginative angles. Easy one-button Live View activation now features Subject Tracking autofocus (AF), which automatically locks onto a moving subject. Even if the subject leaves the frame and returns, Subject Tracking AF maintains focus, making the D5000 ideal for capturing fast moving children and pets. In addition to Subject Tracking AF in Live View, the D5000 features Face Priority AF, which automatically detects up to five faces in a scene and focuses on the closest subject; Wide Area AF, which offers a large AF area for optimal hand-held shooting; and Normal Area AF, which provides pinpoint accuracy when shooting with a tripod.
The D5000’s D-Movie Mode allows users the exciting ability to record HD movie clips (1280 x 720) at a cinematic 24 frames per second with sound. Photographers will appreciate the quality produced whether creating vacation clips or intertwining still photographs and movies in a post-production creative montage. Additionally, the D5000 is compatible with a comprehensive assortment of AF-S NIKKOR interchangeable lenses to provide users with the ability to capture perspectives not possible with typical consumer video recording devices. When using any NIKKOR VR lens, D-Movie clips benefit from Nikon VR image stabilization, which automatically activates during recording to deliver added sharpness and image stability. VR image stabilization also extends the D5000’s performance in low-light situations. D-Movie clips are recorded onto an inserted SD or SDHC memory card and saved as Motion JPEG AVI files for easy editing with widely available video editing software.
Further bridging the gap between point-and-shoot cameras and more advanced D-SLRs are the D5000’s 19 automatic Scene Modes, which free users to capture beautiful images without having to manually adjust camera settings. With the broad range of automatic Scene Modes, including Sports, Portrait, Candlelight, Silhouette, Autumn Colors and more, D5000 is the perfect camera for anyone looking to make inspiring images in challenging photographic conditions.
The D5000 also incorporates a comprehensive set of in-camera editing features to make the most of captured images without the need of a computer. The D5000 also introduces several new Retouch features, including a Soft Filter effect, which applies a smooth appearance to faces or the entire image; Perspective Control, which helps correct distortions in perspective often encountered in photographs of architecture; and Color Outline, which creates monochrome outlines of objects in images by eliminating color and tonal gradations. The D5000 saves each of these edited images as a separate JPEG file, ensuring the original image is left unmodified. With Nikon’s exclusive Picture Control Settings, photographers can quickly select various image appearance profiles that include Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait and Landscape settings. In addition, Picture Control provides the ability to create and store up to nine user-defined custom profiles to reflect each user’s personal preferences for hue, color saturation and image sharpening.
Extensive playback options allow users to review their photos in groups of four, nine, or 72 thumbnail images. Alternatively, users can select the Calendar View to easily group and select images by date. These playback features can be viewed either on the Vari-angle LCD or an HDTV with HDMI connectivity available via a dedicated HDMI port on the camera.
Proven Image Excellence
Consumers will immediately appreciate the benefits of the D5000’s 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor coupled with Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED™ image processing system, which delivers highly detailed images with vibrant color reproduction and low noise across a broad ISO range. The D5000’s normal ISO range extends from ISO 200 to 3200, allowing for superior shooting in low-light conditions. Additionally, the D5000’s ISO range can be expanded to a Lo 1 setting of ISO 100 or a Hi 1 setting of ISO 6400, furthering the opportunities for previously impossible shots.
Nikon’s exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II, in conjunction with the EXPEED image processing system, contributes to the D5000’s ability to capture breathtaking images by instantly evaluating the exposure elements of each scene and comparing it to an onboard database of information from more than 30,000 images. These split-second calculations allow the D5000 to ensure the right exposure—even when conditions are extreme. To push creative boundaries even further, the D5000 allows picture-takers to also use Center-Weighted and Spot Metering for added personal control.
Smooth, Swift and Quiet Operation
The D5000’s 11-point auto focus system utilizes Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System with Face Detection to help create the best possible images in a variety of shooting environments. Nikon's 11-point AF offers best-in-class speed and accuracy, helping to ensure sharp focus, shot-after-shot. Single-point AF is suggested for static subjects, Dynamic-area AF for moving subjects, Auto-area AF for spontaneous shooting and 3D-tracking with 11 AF points for maintaining accurate focus on a subject moving throughout the frame.
Paired with Nikon’s AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR image stabilization lens and the ability to shoot at four frames per second, the D5000 easily captures moments other cameras miss. Nikon’s VR image stabilization lenses reduce the blurring in images due to camera shake, allowing photographers to shoot hand-held at as many as three full stops slower than would otherwise be possible.*
The new D5000 also features the innovative Integrated Dust Reduction System, which offers both an electronic sensor cleaning when the camera is powered on and/or off and the Airflow Control System, which directs dust away from the sensor with every snap of the shutter. These functions work to clear image-degrading dust from the sensor’s optical low-pass filter, helping to ensure spot-free images. In addition, the D5000 features a Quiet Release Mode that reduces the mirror cycling noise for discreet shooting in sensitive situations, such as weddings and other ceremonies.
System Expandability
Photographers and enthusiasts alike can also appreciate the D5000’s system expandability, as the camera can work in conjunction with a variety of Nikon accessories including a broad assortment of NIKKOR AF-S interchangeable lenses. While the D5000 offers a versatile built-in flash, the camera is also compatible with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System and capable of Advanced Wireless Lighting when using the SB-900 Speedlight or the SU-800 Wireless Commander. For those looking to document their photo excursions with geo-tagging, the D5000 is compatible with the optional GP-1 GPS Unit, which automatically records latitude, longitude, altitude and time information when a picture is taken.
The D5000 also works seamlessly with Nikon’s powerful Capture NX 2 image editing software (available for purchase separately), for more advanced photographers seeking greater control over their post-capture images. Capture NX 2 simplifies the path to beautiful images with easy-to-learn editing tools and a highly versatile and elegantly simple interface, which streamline editing procedures.
Price and Availability
The D5000 outfit, which includes the AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens, will be available at Nikon Authorized dealers beginning in late April 2009 at an estimated selling price of $849.95.** For consumers who want to configure their D5000 system or for photographers who need an additional D-SLR body for an existing system, the D5000 will also be offered as a body only for an estimated selling price of $729.95.** For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
Hi all! I have to be honest with you, when the DSLR's first came out I was excited but kind of miffed on how to really make them usable for filmmaking or event/wedding applications. So after 6 months of using DSLR's for shooting video, starting from the ground up, I think we really figured it out. We have just released our four new DSLR Gunstock Shooters, which come equipped with our Z-Finder optical viewfinder. The optical viewfinder is key and the kit can position the camera so that your eye is perfectly aligned in the viewfinder without having to have your head in a funky position. I think the key to making these cameras work is keeping them light, getting away from overbearing heaving encagement and doing the opposite by going light. These kits weigh only seven pounds (including camera and follow focus). We have created a system with 5 points of body contact because stability is essential with these light cameras to get them to create shots that have the look of a heavier ENG style camera. Out of the 27 new products we’re debuting at NAB, this is the one I’m most excited about.
Philip Bloom is going to have one of these at NAB and I'm going to lend it to him to bring to Reframe collective. Watch this video, this could just be a game changer for lightweight event shooting cameras. Going from tripod to handheld without stopping. I'm just so jazzed about it.
As always I welcome your feedback?
best regards, Steve Weiss
PS. The August/Sept. edition of FilmFellas is going to be on wedding filmmaking, Kristen* has agreed to do the show and we are currently looking for the rest of the cast. I'm so impressed with what everyone is doing in this field and on this website, I've mentioned it many times in previous webisodes. You are filmmakers and I love watching your videos! Thanks.
Every month, WedFACT will post clips from a wedding film-maker who we think deserve additional attention brought to the inspiring work they are producing.
Craig joined WedFACT in 2007 and has been upholding wedding video production standards in Australia's biggest state 'Western Australia' no small task if you see it's land mass. His company has won several AVPA awards and has certainly earned a spot in our monthly showcase.
This week we are featuring wedding film-maker Craig Turner of Western Australia's In Shot Productions
I have chosen this particular clip (a trailer) which showcases Craig's graceful camera movement and artful framing techniques.
WedFACT(www.wedfact.net) has announced the top ten winners of the Final Edition Of The Wedding Filmmakers Alliance Of Creative Talent Monthly Competitions Of 2008. Through an exclusive, collaborative online peer-rating system, entries were scored and discussed openly by leading wedding film and video artists from all over the world.
Directors Guild Of America Filmmaker Joth Riggs of Whitestone Productions(www.whitestoneproductions.com) took 1st place with his entry "Intimate Wedding Film" and wins one-time "free processing" for any amount of film that he chooses to process & telecine courtesy of Cinelicious(www.cinelicious.tv).
Rounding out the top three winners:
Joe Simon of Joe Simon Productions(www.joesimonproductions.com) with his 2nd Place entry "Wedding Trailer" wins his choice of one set of Totally Rad Actions or Totally Rad Actions 2 for Adobe Photoshop courtesy of Totally Rad Actions(www.gettotallyrad.com)
Kristen Turick of Artifact Documentaries(www.artifactdocumentaries.com) with her 3rd Place Entry "Our Very First S8 Demo" wins Video Copilot's Evolution software for Adobe After Effects(www.videocopilot.net)
With a record-setting amount of entries and the highest average scores yet, it is certainly worth mentioning that 6 of the Top Ten places were taken by 3 double-placing contestants: Patrick Moreau Of StillMotion(www.stillmotion.ca), Matthew Ebenezer Of Shadowplay Photography & Video(www.shadowplay.com.au) & Sharrone Calafiore Of Fiore Films(www.fiorefilms.net).
The top ten entries of the WedFACT November/December Competition are as follows:
These competitions are a run-up to later this spring when The Wedding Filmmakers Alliance Of Creative Talent will launch WedFACTION.1(www.wedfaction.com), the largest international online wedding film festival & competition. Rules, requirements and exclusive new competitive categories will be announced on www.wedfaction.com shortly.
About WedFACT
The Wedding Filmmakers Alliance Of Creative Talent serves to encourage, educate and empower film and video artists from around the world to achieve the highest levels of success in the artistic, creative and business aspects of the wedding and event videography industry. Through online collaboration and discussion, WedFACT aspires to be the leading source of shared learning and inspiration for all visual wedding artists.
WedFACT
