New Videos and Tutorials!

Hi everyone, I haven't been updating my blog cuz Ive been super busy with work lately so here is a quick post.

I did a new video as a test and for fun... a spoof of the games Call of Duty and Crysis... you can watch that BELOW.

Also, I've posted a few new tutorials which you can find on my YOUTUBE CHANNEL

and finaly here is a new music video that I did which premiered recently online and on TV.

Enjoy it!

BACK HOME!

As some of you may know, I've been back to Ecuador for the past month and a half to finish a documentary about Montanita.

While there I haven't been able to update my blog as the internet access was limited, but I'm back at it again! I uploaded a new filmmaking tutorial which shows what I've been up to while in Ecuador.

I also have a new contest till the end of February which you can check out HERE.

Here is the new tutorial!

DINNER DATE - SHORT FILM SCHOOL

I got great news for all the moviemakers out there... my short film Dinner Date is finaly out on DVD. You can buy it by clicking on the STORE button on my website or by going here: http://www.tlapro.com/STORE.aspx

The DVD comes with loads of new filmmaking tutorials that covers topics like script writing, storyboarding, equipment, placing the camera, editing, sound, etc. I show you exactly what I did to make this film happen.

This is a special order DVD, not mass produced like regular hollywood films - so copies are limited. Get yours today before they're gone!

Film Lighting Trick - Tutorial 12

I just uploaded a new filmmaking tutorial!

I know it's been a while since my last tutorial, but between all the work and now setting up my youtube account as a partner it's been a little hectic. Now I should be able to add a new filmmaking tutorial every other week... so keep on checking my youtube channel!

To see the latest tutorial either go to my youtube channel OR click HERE.

Exposure!

I uploaded a new tutorial online. In this one I talk about the way that I go about getting the right exposure when shooting with digital cameras. Specialy any DSLR.

Also as I am getting ready to release my last film on DVD along with hours of extra footage, Im accepting any ideas/requests for things you'd like me to talk about on the DVD. Let me know if there is anything specific that you'd like me to talk about with regards to the making of my film DINNER DATE. All requests for purches of the dvd and ideas/comments please send to polcan99@hotmail.com

GREEN+BLUE SCREEN TUTORIAL

I wanted to let all of you know that I just posted a new tutorial. In this new video I explain the proper way to setup and light your next special effects production that requires a blue or green screen.

Why would you want to film anything on a blue screen?
So that you can cut out the subject and place it in any environment you want. I do think that special effects are over used by many people since the technology has gotten so cheap... so if you can film something for real then do it that way. Only when you really don't have a way of doing a shot, should you then attempt to do it as an effect.

Below is a diagram of the whole setup. Look it over and then watch the video. Email me if you have any questions. Enjoy!

New Tutorial - Ring Lights !

Today is a great day if you've been waiting for another TUTORIAL. Go to my tutorials page to check out the latest video.

In the latest tutorial I talk about the most common use of RING LIGHTS and how to do a setup with one for a music video performance. What's even better, I use a DIY home built ringlight... AND I explain how I built it. Sp get ready not just for another filmmaking tutorial but a little construction workshop. (Warning: Built at your own risk!)

Here's a list of materials you'll need:
4'x2' plywood (1/2 inch thick) - $8
12 lightbulbs (40watt) - $20
12 lightbulb sockets - $18
Dimmer Switch (600watt) - $8
Switch Tray - $2
Box of Screws - $3
10-15 ft of 12 gauge wire - $3
Outlet Plug - $2
Total = $64

Tools you'll need:
Drill
Screwdriver
Saw (jigsaw is better)
Pencil
YOUR HANDS! (best tools out there :)

First you start off by drawing a circle on the plywood as big as you can fit. I added a little extra since I knew I wanted to attach a 1"x1" thick aluminum tube so that I can then mount my whole ring light on my old light stand. Then cut out the shape with your saw.

Then inside that big circle, cut out a smaller one. Make sure you leave enough space so you can screw in your lightbulb sockets.

Then layout all your lightbulb sockets around the ring, and mark off the position of each with a pencil. Then drill a 1/2" wide hole in the middle of where each of your lightbulb sockets will go. Now you're ready to start feeding the 12 gauge wire through all the holes. Then you connect all the lightbulb sockets to the wires. Plus to plus, minus to minus, and the ground wire you just feed all the way through to the end.

After that's done you're ready to connect the wire to the dimmer switch (follow the instruction that come with your dimmer switch) then mount the connected dimmer switch inside the switch tray, and screw all of that somewhere to your ring light. Last step is to connect the outlet plug to the dimmer switch. Again plus to plus and minus to minus etc. Now you're ready to screw in your lightbulbs and start lighting your scene. (TIP: when first testing out your ring light, it's a good idea to only screw in one lightbulb, and plug your ringlight to a powerbar that has a trip breaker. This way if you connected the wires incorrectly you won't blow your fuses in your house).

Email me or leave comments with any questions!

Now go watch Tutorial 8 - Cinematography / Ring Lights

My video featured by Redrock Micro!

My first tutorial has been featured on the latest tutorial by Redrock Micro at the MicroFilmmaker.com website.

You can check out the video HERE!!!