If you have ever wondered what High Definition( HD ), 2k, or 4k means, then look no further. A lot of clients will always ask us to shoot in HD, while not realizing that we may shoot in what is actually a much larger resolution. At the end it will most likely always be knocked down to 1920×1080(actual high def). On Creative Cow John Galt explains what all of this means-this also shows you just why we(production companies, directors, etc) do not suggest skimping out on your budget. In other words, you pay for what you get.

http://magazine.creativecow.net/article/the-truth-about-2k-4k-the-future-of-pixels

I was just browsing through demo reels on vimeo and came across James Owen’s reel. Definitely worth checking out! Notice that each piece of production has it’s own look and feel. It’s not all the same, which is a HUGE pet pieve of mine. It seems that so many DPs, Directors, and Producers learn a certain style of production and keep repeating themselves. I encourage everyone to try and mix it up a bit!

Also, please subscribe to my blog on the right side of the post. Thanks!

This last weekend I was helping out on set with the TV Pilot for “Sheltered”, a homeless comedy. Great stuff! During a location change I had a chance to talk to several other PA’s and started talking about if film was dying or not and if digital was taking over. I think we all know the answer to this… slowly but surely, film will become obsolete. It’s strange to think about, since 95% of the movies we have ever seen have been shot on film. But one thing that made me realize this was a reality was when I was told that all of the great directors that still shoot on film(Speilberg, Scorsese, Riddley, etc…) will be gone in a few more decades. This makes my generation the next set of movie makers. And I know for a fact, that I am planning on purchasing a RED this year. It’s kind of sad in a way. Don’t get me wrong, I love the way that R3Ds look and all, but film is still film. Last night my wife and I watched “The Town” and I could just tell that it was shot on film and it looked superb.

Do you think we will eventually come to the point to where we can not tell the difference at all between digital and film?

Guys, this is why being online and managing yourself through social networks pay off!

I just recently connected with a network organizer. He turned me onto a very large online Ning network. I was floored when I joined and there were over 6000 members, and a lot, and I mean A LOT of the members are regularly active. I was greeted and was able to start up conversations that I could see had potential value for not only sales calls, but also for other services I had a need for. To cut the story short, through conversation and referrals, I have managed to set a couple of appointments with some very impressive people. I have also set up appointments through Facbook and Twitter for my next out of town jaunt.

I have always been a very big supporter of social media/networking. First, I can not explain how being connected to the right people has impacted my business just within the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex, but the possibilities seem to be endless when you step into the communities online.

Please connect with me on Facebook and Twitter if you havent already, and also subscribe to my blog(top right).

-Joshua Dixon

I have been shooting video steadily for about 5 years. I thought since the video DSLR’s are becoming so popular that some of my knowledge up front might be helpful.
I first started out with a Panasonic DVX100, everyone knew this as the first camera that indie filmmakers could afford that had the “cinema look”. It was great, you could shoot in 24p! Next, I started renting cameras on a per project basis, the reason for this was because I started looking at each project from a different angle. If it was documentary style, we would rent a camera that had a very “flat” image and had the option to shoot in 30fps. If it needed slow motion, make sure to rent a camera that would overcrank. (article on overcranking). So, before you go out and buy a camera, make sure that it’s appropriate for where it will be applied.
I now am starting to shoot a lot on Video DSLR’s. They have a great shallow depth of field, the storage is super cheap, and they have a ton of accessories! You can easily get a complete decked out rig for under $3500, which is great compared to what a HVX or anything similar to it’s class goes for!
The best thing we have now to help us out with video is searching on Google! Also check out these other sites, www.reduser.net, www.dvxuser.com, and Phillip Bloom’s website.