Labay's Place

NASA Discovers Tatooine-Like Planet

2011-09-18T10:30:00.007-04:00

(From StudioDaily.com -- By Beth Marchant)

NASA announced today that the KEPLER spacecraft, on an exploratory mission since 2009, had discovered the very first planet on record to orbit around two sun-like stars at once.

Sound familiar?

Said Kepler project scientist NICK GAUTIER during a press conference at Ames Research Center, "It’s the best example we have of a Tatooine-like world from STAR WARS. We don’t expect to find LUKE SKYWALKER or anything else living there, but you if you could visit there, you would see a sky with two suns, just like Luke did."

NASA Discovers Tatooine-Like Planet

YouTube Introduces Video Editing Feature

2011-09-18T10:22:00.002-04:00

YouTube users can now edit their videos onsite thanks to a new feature it has added.

The new features enables you to edit uploaded YouTube videos while also maintaining the same video IDs, making it possible to hold onto view counts and comments. Existing links to the video will also continue to work.

All you have to do is click EDIT VIDEO on your video’s page or on the My Videos page.

YouTube Introduces Video Editing Feature

Jedi Kittens Strike Back

2011-09-18T09:45:00.001-04:00

ANNE HATHAWAY: A Shockingly Adequate Rapper

2011-08-18T02:16:00.003-04:00

ANNE HATHAWAY channels LIL' WAYNE in this original rap about the paparazzi.

FIELD OF DREAMS 2 -- LOCKOUT

2011-07-06T15:26:00.002-04:00

An Iowa corn farmer (TAYLOR LAUTNER), hearing voices, interprets them as a command to build a football field in his fields; he does, and the National Football League comes.

APPLE Introduces Revolutionary New Laptop With No Keyboard

2011-07-03T12:01:00.006-04:00

(From The Onion News Network)

THE MACBOOK WHEEL lets consumers accomplish everyday tasks like typing with just a few dozen spins and clicks of a wheel.

THE SIMPSONS -- Star Wipe

2011-07-03T12:00:00.001-04:00

CONAN O'BRIEN's Editors -- APPLE FINAL CUT PRO X

2011-06-29T14:53:00.002-04:00

APPLE recently released their new editing software FINAL CUT PRO X and the editors at CONAN O'BRIEN absolutely love it!

Auto Tune Trick Shot

2011-06-24T01:20:00.001-04:00

SPORTSNATION's MICHELLE BEADLE studied the internet in hopes of making the most successful viral video on the planet.

Instead, this happened.

Kira Karlstrom, thanks for the post.

NFL Football Cops

2011-06-24T01:03:00.000-04:00

BBC Reporters About To Start Broadcasting Live Using Only An iPhone And 3G Service

2011-06-15T12:11:00.005-04:00

(From BBC.com -- By Michael Grothaus)

Within the next month, the BBC is set to roll out an iOS app that will allow field reporters to broadcast live from their iPhone using nothing but the 3G service to carry the data transmission, an article from Journalism.co.uk states.

The app will also allow BBC field reporters to file still photos, video and audio directly into the BBC content management system from any iPhone or iPad.

As Journalism.co.uk points out, the ability to broadcast right from an iPhone would mean that reporters could no longer have to carry cumbersome satellite or codex equipment.

MARTIN TURNER, BBC's head of operations for newsgathering, told Journalism.co.uk, "Reporters have been using smartphones for a while now, but it was never good quality. You might do it when there was a really important story. Now it is beginning to be a realistic possibility to use iPhones and other devices for live reporting, and in the end, if you've got someone on the scene then you want to be able to use them. That capability is a really important one."

BBC Reporters About To Start Broadcasting Live Using Only An iPhone And 3G Service

Most Epic Beer Commercial Ever

2011-06-11T01:48:00.002-04:00

[This company understands the Internet. Did you catch the monster truck was a DeLorean. Rad.]

Get Ready By FIAT

2011-06-11T01:36:00.007-04:00

To mark its arrival, a music video was created to show people getting ready to meet their 2012 FIAT 500 as the 500 gets ready to meet them.

The music is VIVALDI'S CONCERTO D MAJOR, RV 228: ALLEGRO remixed by an LA-based electronic band.

The New Commodore 64

2011-05-22T17:28:00.003-04:00

It's back -- and better than ever!

The new Commodore 64 is a modern functional PC as close to the original in design as humanly possible.

It houses a modern mini-ITX PC motherboard featuring a Dual Core 525 Atom processor and the latest nVidia ION2 graphics chipset.

It comes in the original taupe brown/beige color, with other colors to follow.

The New Commodore 64

[A throwback to a simpler time. What no Intellivision?]

The Lorchcast

2011-03-17T15:15:00.000-04:00

Bryan Rourke, thanks for the post.

80s Video Dating Montage

2011-03-17T01:31:00.002-04:00

Before eHarmony.

[I'll be back in 2 and 2.]

NIKE CTR 360

2011-03-11T12:11:00.001-05:00

Global film to celebrate the launch of the new NIKE CTR 360 soccer shoe.

ENDHIRAN (Robot) -- Best Action Scene Ever

2011-03-11T12:09:00.004-05:00

Supposedly, ENDHIRAN (Robot) is the most expensive movie made in BOLLYWOOD.

These are some of the special effects highlights.

First Feature-Length Film Made Specifically For Net Distribution Debuts

2011-03-11T12:03:00.005-05:00

The first feature-length film made specifically for Internet distribution, GIRL WALKS INTO A BAR, debuts Friday to a potential worldwide audience of millions on YOU TUBE.

Directed by SEBASTIAN GUTIERREZ -- who, coincidentally, has another micro-budgeted film, ELECTRA LUXX, opening Friday at West L.A.'s Nuart Theatre -- GIRL could establish a new path for increasingly under-exposed, small independent films to find substantial audiences.

First Feature-Length Film Made Specifically For Net Distribution Debuts

TOP GUN -- Recut

2011-03-11T11:05:00.000-05:00

A movie trailer for TOP GUN recut into a love story.

Slopestyle With ERIC WILLETT -- Snowboarding From X Games 15

2011-03-11T11:03:00.002-05:00

Shot entirely on an HD HERO camera from GOPRO.

If Only Every Mountain Biking Video Was Shot Like This

2011-03-11T11:01:00.001-05:00

CHRIS AKRIGG -- A Hill In Spain

2011-03-11T10:59:00.002-05:00

Another, more traditionally shot biking video.
Very well done.

First Person View Of A Mountain Bike Race In Urban Chile

2011-03-10T13:00:00.001-05:00

Charlie And The Apple Factory

2011-03-04T14:43:00.001-05:00

VOLKSWAGEN's Incredible Transparent Car Factory

2011-01-12T14:44:00.002-05:00

VOLKSWAGEN's incredible TRANSPARENT CAR FACTORY.

You have never seen a factory like this.

THE CADETS -- Beginnings -- 2011

2010-12-29T12:10:00.001-05:00

A weekend with THE CADETS at their December camp in Woodstown, NJ as they provide a samplig of what's to come during the 2011 Drum Corp Season.

Adam Adorno, thanks for the post.

The Incredible World Of Diminished Reality

2010-12-28T14:28:00.002-05:00

The incredible world of Diminished Reality -- and in real time!

Now you CAN fix it in the field (not just in Post).

[This would make an interesting plug-in.]

Finally, The STAR WARS Christmas Special You Always Wanted

2010-12-27T16:07:00.007-05:00

GoPro HD HERO Camera

2010-12-27T11:12:00.005-05:00

An experiment filmed with a GOPRO HD HERO CAMERA naked at 60fps, slowed down and color graded in AFTER EFFECTS with VINTAGE FILM FOR LOOKS.

The quality of the video is very good for such a tiny camera.

I love it's water proof too, so the dogs biting and drooling on it isn't a concern.

[It's amazing what slowed down footage and a sad song will do to a fun day at the beach. Music is more than 50% of the mood.]

The 50 Best Careers In 2011

2010-12-27T03:43:00.004-05:00

U.S. NEWS MAGAZINE recently put out a list of THE 50 BEST CAREERS IN 2011.

One career I NEVER expected to see listed was FILM AND VIDEO EDITOR.

The 50 Best Careers In 2011 -- Film And Video Editor

["Stress Level: Moderate." Oh really?]

The Digital Story Of The Navity

2010-12-20T01:38:00.005-05:00

How social media, web and mobile would tell the story of the Nativity.

Times change, the feeling remains the same.

Hedy Labay, thanks for the post.

Zeitgeist 2010 -- Year In Review

2010-12-12T02:06:00.001-05:00

2010 flew by in an instant.

See how the world searched with GOOGLE'S 2010 ZEITGEIST.

Chicken Powered Steadicam

2010-12-12T01:14:00.002-05:00

(From Engadget)

If you've decided to use a full-fledged Steadicam in your next indie blockbuster you'd better make sure you have the budget -- they can run upwards of $45,000.

Sure, there are cheaper options out there, some more sophisticated than others, but none are quite as amazing as this -- the CHICKEN POWERED STEADICAM from PENNYWHISTLE PRODUCTIONS.

It is, quite simply, a chicken with a camera on its head, making use of the bird's stabilizing vestibulo-ocular reflex.

In the video, you can see version 1.0 didn't go so well.

So, our intrepid barnyard cinematographer quickly advances to version 2.0 -- "a much bigger rooster."

While the video quality is low the effect is actually quite well done, but it's the ending that really makes it all come together.

Videotape Editing With JULIA CHILD

2010-11-17T04:27:00.002-05:00

An incomplete clip from a 1993 special called A BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE TO JULIA CHILD: COMPLIMENTS TO THE CHEF.

[Now I know what producers mean when they say "smooth out that edit."]

CBS Television Production Truck -- The Early Days

2010-11-09T11:38:00.000-05:00

Behind The Scenes View Of BBC Television -- Panorama 1956

2010-11-09T11:36:00.001-05:00

A behind the scenes view of BBC Television in 1956 from the BBC show PANORAMA.

FOX 4 DFW Roast Of Social Media

2010-10-27T13:02:00.002-04:00

Don Ryan, thanks for the post.

The CADET Experience

2010-10-12T12:47:00.004-04:00

Sometimes it's difficult to put in words what a CADET takes away from their summer experience.

There's just so much to articulate.

Let us take you where every Cadet resides -- an untouchable place that dwells in the heart and stays with you for the many years that follow.

Through the wonderful filmmaking of KEVIN MASTMAN, step back in time and enjoy the final days of summer 2010.

[This is well done.]

SESAME STREET -- Smell Like A Monster

2010-10-09T04:22:00.002-04:00

Joe Canali, thanks for the post.

Stairway To Heaven -- Climbing TV Towers

2010-09-28T12:26:00.004-04:00

Those of who you who get a bit wobbly at the top of a stepladder are strongly advised to look away now, because here's helmetcam video of just how you get to work when your office is at the top of a 1,768 ft TV mast.

This vertigo-inducing footage appeared on
The On-Line Engineer.com, and suffice it to say it's convinced us that we have no interest whatsoever in a career in fixing things at the top of TV masts.

[On the plus side, this is one job that can't be outsourced to someone sitting in a cube in another country.]

May The Force Of Nostalgia Be With You

2010-09-27T11:31:00.004-04:00

(From The New York Times -- By Dave Itzkoff)

As someone who simply can't stop watching a STAR WARS movie whenever it is on, I stumbled across this vintage interview with HAN SOLO himself, HARRISON FORD, recorded for a Dallas-Fort Worth news channel in the summer of 1977, just as the STAR WARS phenomenon was taking off.

May The Force Of Nostalgia Be With You

KERMIT Sells

2010-09-27T11:30:00.001-04:00

An early KERMIT THE FROG appearance in an IBM sales film.

COOKIE MONSTER For IBM

2010-09-27T11:29:00.001-04:00

An IBM promotional film starring an early version of Jim Henson's COOKIE MONSTER.

JOHN CLEESE COMPAQ Ad

2010-09-27T11:20:00.002-04:00

JOHN CLEESE adds a little spice in this COMPAQ computer ad comparing the new Portable 2 to a fish.

[A little corporate video inspiration.]

THINKBOX Creates A Dog Of An Ad To Promote TV

2010-09-25T10:57:00.001-04:00

THINKBOX is launching a new TV advertising campaign designed to celebrate the continuing power and effectiveness of TV.

Thinkbox Creates A Dog Of An Ad To Promote TV

Money, Money, Money -- Gettin' Money With A Mouse And A Wacom Pad

2010-09-25T03:22:00.004-04:00

Marc Warfield, thanks for the post.

NOIKA "Dot"

2010-09-24T13:52:00.000-04:00

Introducing News Anchor BARBIE

2010-09-24T13:34:00.004-04:00

(From The Los Angeles Times)

Astronaut Barbie, Newborn Baby Doctor Barbie and Rock Star Barbie, get ready to answer some tough Barbie questions asked by JOURNALIST BARBIE.

The 125th -- and newest -- career path for Mattel's 51-year-old doll is news anchor, and she's available to join your news-gathering team as of this month.

Introducing News Anchor Barbie

GOOGLE INSTANT -- WE DIDN'T START THE FIRE

2010-09-15T03:55:00.005-04:00

Earlier this week, GOOGLE unveiled GOOGLE INSTANT, their latest bit of technology that attempts to predict your search query and immediately post the results without any mouse-clicking.

According to Google, the upgrade will save you 2-5 seconds per search.

According to me, the upgrade will allow more videos to be posted that will drain you of any productivity.

Inspired by WHIRLED CREATIVE, here is the full power of Google Instant via the most obvious song -- BILLY JOEL'S WE DIDN'T START THE FIRE.

Kraig Bailey, thanks for the post.

Oldest Color Videotape Recording (1958)

2010-09-07T14:41:00.006-04:00

This is sample footage of the earliest surviving color videotape recording which is the DWIGHT EISENHOWER inaugural address to WRC-TV on May 22nd, 1958.

The first 15 minutes of this event were shot in black and white which you see the President arriving to the building and the news reporter giving details of the event, then about nearly 15 minutes in ROBERT SARNOFF hits the color switch and on comes the color.

For the remaining 15 minutes ROBERT SARNOFF, DWIGHT EISENHOWER and DAVID SARNOFF speak about the station and the color television technology while being recorded in living color.

The whole program is available for download in DVD quality here.

The United States started broadcasting color in late 1953 and color TV sets were available to the public in 1954 at an expensive price.

Color videotaping began in the United States in 1958 and this footage is the earliest known to exist and it has been successfully transferred to digital for preservation.

It is totally awesome to know that some color programs from the late 1950s have survived on color videotape as they show to us younger generations how good color television really was back in its earliest days.

[Those RCA TK-41 cameras gave brilliant pictures back in the day.]

NEVER LET ME GO

2010-09-07T14:20:00.003-04:00

In his highly acclaimed novel NEVER LET ME GO, KAZUO ISHIiGURO (THE REMAINS OF THE DAY) created a remarkable story of love, loss and hidden truths.

In it he posed the fundamental question -- What makes us human?

Now director MARK ROMANEK (ONE HOUR PHOTO), writer ALEX GARLAND and DNA FILMS bring Ishiguro's hauntingly poignant and emotional story to the screen.

Kathy (Oscar® nominee CAREY MULLIGAN, AN EDUCATION), Tommy (ANDREW GARFIELD, BOY A, RED RIDING) and Ruth (Oscar® nominee KEIRA KNIGHTLEY, PRIDE & PREJUDICE, ATONEMENT) live in a world and a time that feel familiar to us, but are not quite like anything we know.

They spend their childhood at HAILSHAM, a seemingly idyllic English boarding school.

When they leave the shelter of the school and the terrible truth of their fate is revealed to them, they must also confront the deep feelings of love, jealousy and betrayal that threaten to pull them apart.

Kraig Bailey, thanks for the post.

[This is a "perfect" trailer -- in that, I'm not really sure what is going on, but now I feel I must see the film to find out. Very effective. Not surprisingly, it's much more effective on the big screen.]

Air Bag Test

2010-09-07T12:24:00.000-04:00

18 Awesome Gadgets For A Video Production Specialist To Have

2010-08-26T12:56:00.007-04:00

(From AE.Tutsplus.com -- By Topher Welsh)

As video production specialists we are always ever expanding our toolbox.

Whether it be with camera equipment, VFX gear, or gadgets to make our post workflow more efficient and endurable, I have found some of my favorite pieces of equipment from my own arsenal, as well as from my wishlist that you should definitely check out and consider adding to your collection.

18 Awesome Gadgets For A Video Production Specialist To Have

[It's all about the toys.]

"Look Ma, No Keys!" -- The Future Of Picture Editing

2010-08-26T12:24:00.009-04:00

(From Zak's Thoughts On Film -- By Zak Ray)

In recent years, science has proven the human brain effectively sees tools as an extension of the body.

When a carpenter picks up a hammer, or a musician his guitar, the brain temporarily "absorbs" that object into the brain’s mental projection of one’s self, and allows one to use it as naturally as if it were a body part.

Of course, such integration is dependent on the difficulty of the device and the skill of its user -- just as a pen is a basic, universal tool that requires little to master, a complex surgical instrument undoubtedly carries a steeper learning curve.

Slightly more difficult to place in context are computer-based tools, as there is no "real" correlation to the physical user input. One presses keys and clicks a mouse, but the resulting virtualaction can be anything from sending an email to drawing an illustration.

Can the brain still "absorb" these objects when the results are not only variable, but virtual as well?

"Look Ma, No Keys!" -- The Future Of Picture Editing

[Couldn't agree more Zak!]

KODAK 1922 KODACHROME Film Test

2010-08-26T03:31:00.000-04:00

A sample of some of the earliest color motion picture film you will see.

Sadly, KODACHROME was discontinued by KODAK in 2009.

The last lab in the world to develop it is DWAYNE'S PHOTO in Parsons, Kansas.

At the end of 2010, they will cease all Kodadchrome processing.

Dwayne's Photo

LARRY COLLMUS Calls The Battle Of The Wives At MONMOUTH PARK

2010-08-26T03:24:00.004-04:00

Track announcer LARRY COLLMUS calls the BATTLE OF THE WIVES in the 7th at MONMOUTH PARK in
Oceanport, NJ on Sunday, August 22nd.

[Way to go Larry. Great call and some well deserved praise.]

3D Films Show Signs Of Consumer Fatigue

2010-08-24T12:04:00.005-04:00

(From Broadcast Engineering -- By Michael Grotticelli)

It seems like it's been a long time since AVATAR launched the current 3D movement by taking in $2.73 billion at the box office, but that was only last year.

This year has not been so successful with the flop of CATS & DOGS: THE REVENGE O KITTY GALORE and STEP UP 3D, the dance film.

With 3D tickets priced as high as 50 percent more than comparable 2D films, analysts have expressed doubts about whether consumer appetite for the format can be sustained.

"The studios and theaters are overpricing 3D films, and there's too much of it out there," RICHARD GREENFIELD, an analyst with BTG RESEARCH, told THE FINANCIAL TIMES. "They are converting all of their movies into 3D without any regard to quality."

"The studios are guilty of short-term thinking," said BRANDON GRAY, President of BOX OFFICE MOJO, a firm that tracks film box-office performance. "They all jumped on the 3D bandwagon, but they're avoiding the real issue, which is their bankruptcy regarding storytelling."

Meanwhile, TV set manufacturers are hedging their bets in the current cutthroat environment amid a slow U.S. economic recovery. Many retail outlets feature one or two 3D TV set displays among more than a dozen 2D HD models.

Consumers still consider 3D TV an expensive gimmick, and there's not much more the manufacturers can do to produce better hardware with higher specs.

3D Films Show Signs Of Consumer Fatigue

MARCO BRAMBILLA -- CIVILIZATION

2010-08-15T00:39:00.002-04:00

I saw this a long time ago and it still inspires me.

Its one of the most ambitious AFTER EFFECTS projects I've ever seen.

It plays in an elevator in THE STANDARD HOTEL in New York City.

I hope you enjoy it.

Marco Brambilla -- Civilization

[I wonder what the render time was?]

A New Indie Genre -- IPHONE 4 Filmmaking

2010-08-11T12:21:00.002-04:00

(From CNN.com -- By Marianna Nash)

Despite the IPHONE 4's well-known antenna woes, a group of artists and bloggers are optimistic about its potential as a high-def camera and mobile video-editing tool.

CNN iReport's VIDEO EDITING ON THE IPHONE 4 assignment drew in 10 submissions as of Thursday, and iPhone 4 clips on YOUTUBE and VIMEO run the gamut from short films to news reports.

The $4.99 IMOVIE APP -- even with some flaws -- has the potential to open new doors for artists who have great ideas but no money.

A New Indie Genre -- iPhone 4 Filmmaking

[Holy cow. Looks pretty good for what it is. As professionals, we all know why phone cameras are not, most of the time, the right tools for our craft. We can all see problems with that video -- exposure, artifacts, whatever. But be honest -- weren't you just a bit impressed? A little? The democratization of our industry continues...]

CANON 7D vs BARBIE VIDEO GIRL

2010-08-11T11:36:00.003-04:00

The $1,800 CANON 7D versus the brand new $50 BARBIE VIDEO GIRL.

Available in the girlie aisle of your local TOYS R US.

The sassiest camera money can buy.

GNARLS BARKLEY Crazy Theremin Jam

2010-07-22T11:12:00.002-04:00

Chris Simpson, thanks for the post.

[This one is for you Scotty O.]

3D NINTENDO DS

2010-07-13T08:53:00.002-04:00

(From Cynopsis)

NINTENDO's new 3DS handheld gaming device, not due until March 2011 and yet to be priced, is already causing chatter.

The cool thing about it is that it displays games, movie trailers and other 3D content without the need to wear dorky glasses.

The 3DS will feature two screens -- a 3.5 inch 3D viewing screen on top and a 3-inch 2D touchscreen on the bottom, complete with a motion sensor, gyrometer, a slide pad and 3 separate cameras.

WCBS-FM Regains Top Spot in New York

2010-07-12T22:15:00.003-04:00

(From Media Decoder -- By Joseph Plambeck)

For the first time in 16 years, the oldies station WCBS-FM is the overall most popular radio station in New York City, according to the latest monthly ratings from ARBITRON, capping a quick rise to the top after an equally sharp downfall.

In 2005, the station moved to an automated format, known as JACK, that used no live personalities and played music of multiple genres from the 1980s and 1990s.

The switch to the Jack format drew public complaints from MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG and SENATOR CHARLES E. SCHUMER, among others.

At one point, the station ranked as low as No. 22.

The station returned to its longtime oldies format in the summer of 2007.

It was one of the first oldies stations in the country when it adopted that format in 1972.

WCBS-FM Regains Top Spot in New York

At The Movies, Please Turn On Your Cellphone

2010-07-09T04:06:00.003-04:00

(From The New York Times -- By Roy Furchgott)

BEST BUY is giving away a cellphone application intended to get audiences to use their phones during movies.

The free app, BEST BUY MOViE MODE, is being released in connection with UNIVERSAL PICTURES for the July 9th release of DESPICABLE ME, an animated 3D movie in which an aspiring supervillain named GRU inherits three little girls.

The marquee feature of the app is called the MINIONATOR, which translates the gibberish of Gru’s little yellow henchmen called MINIONS.

In theaters, the Minionator will work only during the closing credits, but when watching a Blu-ray disc, users can translate lines throughout the movie.

The app, being a movie promotion, tells people where the movie is playing and also where Best Buy stores can be found.

It will be available for IPHONES and ANDROID, BLACKBERRYand WINDOWS Mobile phones.

At The Movies, Please Turn On Your Cellphone

No Power? No Problem. JIMMY KIIMMEL LIVE Relies On A Webcam

2010-07-09T04:00:00.004-04:00

(From Artsbeat.com -- By Dave Itzkoff)

Most television hosts will do whatever it takes to keep their programs on the air, but when a power failure struck JIMMY KIMMEL's show on Monday evening, he really went the extra mile -- he grabbed a laptop computer and shot the entire episode on a Webcam, becoming director, cameraman and lighting designer for the night.

No Power? No Problem. Jimmy Kimmel Live Relies On A Webcam

[Wouldn't it have generated more buzz to broadcast the show in 720p from an iPhone 4, instead of in SD from a MacBook webcam?]

Making Movies With The IPHONE 4

2010-07-09T03:00:00.002-04:00

A couple of students from USC's School of Cinematic Arts, MICHAEL KOERBEL and ANNA ELIZABETH JAMES, have written and directed an entire movie -– well a short film called APPLE OF MY EYE using the IPHONE as the camera and editing device.

They did it all in 48 hours.

Considering what and how they made this short film the video is excellent.

At the end of the video, they show you a behind the of scenes of how the movie was made.

IPHONE 4 As A Filmmaking Tool

2010-07-09T02:50:00.003-04:00

(From Takezer0.com)

I was very excited when I officially found out the new IPHONE 4 would have 720p video recording.

I knew it wouldn’t come close to the CANON 7D, but it might actually be useful for something.

So as soon as I got my new iPhone, I had it covered in gaffer’s tape, attached to a 7D and STEADICAM MERLIN and put it to the test.

iPhone 4 As A Filmmaking Tool

Jason Sanchez, thanks for the post.

AMERICAN TOP 40 Flashback -- July 4th, 1970

2010-07-09T02:38:00.002-04:00

(From Billboard.com -- By Gary Trust)

Sunday, July 4th marked the 40th anniversary of the first airing of AMERICAN TOP 40 with CASEY KASEM.

THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS Hall of Fame icon co-created the show that brought the BILLBOARD HOT 100 into the homes of millions in audio form.

Since, multiple generations of music fans have been introduced to following Billboard rankings, countless radio DJs have been inspired to enter the medium and artists have celebrated the honor of hearing Kasem pronounce their song "the biggest hit in the land."

American Top 40 Flashback -- July 4th, 1970

HYUNDAI -- Giant Vuvuzela Sound Test

2010-06-29T08:18:00.002-04:00

Testing the sound of a giant vuvuzela sponsored by HYUNDAI.

Bill Smallfield, thanks for the post.

IPHONE 4 Antenna

2010-06-29T08:14:00.002-04:00

(From Cynopsis)

APPLE has yet to release any official IPHONE 4 sales numbers as of Sunday evening, but the company was forced to deal with a controversy about the unit's internal antenna right out of the gate.

If you hold the phone in a certain way, grabbing it by the lower left hand corner, you may end up covering up both sides of the tiny black strip responsible for picking up signals from cell towers, thus cutting down reception significantly.

Apple's answer to the issue? -- "Don't hold it that way."

A better suggestion is to buy a case for the phone, which most users do anyway.

The incident should prove to be a boon for case maker manufactures, at least.

LETTERMAN'S WORLDWIDE PANTS Shoots Movie Scenes In Derby, CT

2010-06-18T13:09:00.003-04:00

High school students are getting a lesson in filmmaking in Derby, CT.

A movie produced by DAVID LETTERMAN'S production company started filming scenes at the school Monday.

WORLDWIDE PANTS has taken over the LEO F. RYAN SPORTS COMPLEX just down the hill from DERBY HIGH SCHOOL turning some of the high school baseball players into actors.

Dave Skowronski, thanks for the post.

HELL BENT FOR VICTORY

2010-06-15T12:09:00.002-04:00

HELL BENT FOR VICTORY is a feature length documentary film that follows the 2009 Casper, Wyoming TROOPERS DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS as they compete to re-enter THE DRUM CORPS INTERNATIONAL WORLD FINALS for the first time in twenty three years.

For more and to purchase a DVD of the film, check out hellbentforvictory.com.

SWAGGER WAGON

2010-06-15T04:55:00.002-04:00

Watch as THE SIENNA FAMILY drops their hot new single, SWAGGER WAGON.

This goes out to all you minivan families out there who get a SIENNA SE for space but fill it with your family's swagger.

Click here to download a free mp3 of the song.

Jeff Ross, thanks for the post.

IRON BABY

2010-06-03T12:51:00.002-04:00

[Very cool and very well done.]

RESCUE ME -- CRADLE TO BRAVE Commercial

2010-06-03T04:34:00.001-04:00

Deb Mohlenhoff, thanks for the post.

PLASTIC BULLET

2010-05-28T14:10:00.007-04:00

PLASTIC BULLET, the first iPhone app from RED GIANT, is now live in the ITUNES app store!

I'm kinda excited about this.

If you’ve ever shot with a LOMO, a HOLGA, a DIANA, or any of the other plastic "toy" cameras out there, you know that part of the magic is the surprise factor.

Did your photos turn out good? Or bad? Or so terrible they're amazing?

Just like a real plastic camera, PLASTIC BULLET never does the same thing twice.

It develops your iPhone photos into literally infinite variations.

They might look awful. They might look awesome.

The good news is you can keep tapping the refresh button until you get something you love.

The look you love is yours and yours alone -- not a canned preset than anyone can use.

Plastic Bullet

[I carried my CANON 5D MARK II with me wherever I went this weekend. I pulled it out maybe once. I was having too much fun shooting with my crappy iPhone 3GS camera and Plastic Bullet.]

[It may be just for fun, but it elevates the everday to the level of art. In a word? Inspiring.]

Hollywood Squeeze More Out Of CANON'S 5D MKII

2010-05-28T14:03:00.007-04:00

DP and Director SAM NICHOLSON is one of the people you mean when we say "Hollywood people really like the CANON 5D MkII."

He likes it so much he has direct communication with the engineers in Tokyo and sends them his wish list -– recently some of those wishes have come true.

"We do a lot of work with Canon, in fact I'm building a ten camera circle vision rig based on the 5Ds. We're pushing Canon to give us very high quality outputs out of the camera, wirelessly controlling the lenses and all sorts of cool stuff. We have some very interesting prototypes here that will be another step forward for HD cinematography using the Canon cameras.

Hollywood Squeeze More Out Of Canon's 5D MkII

APPLE Surpasses MICROSOFT

2010-05-27T04:35:00.001-04:00

(From Cynopsis)

APPLE officially surpassed MICROSOFT as the most highly valued Tech firm on WALL STREET Wednesday with a market cap of $227 billion, per THE WALL STREET JOURNAL.

NIKE'S WORLD CUP Ad Is Three Minutes Of Awesome

2010-05-21T14:25:00.003-04:00

(From Yahoo Sports.com -- By Brooks Peck)

We showed you the teasers last weekend, but now we have NIKE's full three-minute WORLD CUP ad that will first air on TV during Saturday's CHAMPIONS LEAGUE final and all I can say is -- wow.

As unnatural as it feels to fawn over an advertisement, to label this as nothing more than a run-of-the-mill commercial would be plain wrong.

You have to see it for yourself.

Nike's World Cup Ad Is Three Minutes Of Awesome

THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK As A 50s Sci-Fi Movie

2010-05-20T12:20:00.005-04:00

(From Collider.com -- By Matt Goldberg)

IVAN GUERRERO has done something very cool.

He's taken loads of classic sci-fi movie clips and spliced them together to make a 50s-style movie trailer for THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK.

Guerrero has more of these "PREMAKES" but this one is a must-see.

I just can’t help but marvel at how he was able to find the right old clips to make a reasonable comparison to the iconic imagery of STAR WARS.

But he did and it's damn impressive.

Check out the link below for more, including a list of all the films he used to put it together.

The Empire Strikes Back As A 50s Sci-Fi Movie

Unknown Health Issues Loom As 3D Is Deployed

2010-05-19T13:56:00.001-04:00

(From Broadcast Engineering -- By Michael Grotticelli)

Three-dimensional TV is being introduced into the marketplace with very few short-term studies and no long-term studies about the technology’s effect on the health of viewers

Last month, SAMSUNG issued a warning about possible health effects associated with 3D TV, including altered vision, lightheadedness and even stroke or epileptic seizure.

Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Washington have published papers that found that visual disparities in 3D TV images can put physical strain on viewers.

To find out the answers to these questions, some labs are already doing research.

However, the TV industry is racing forward with the technology, assuming any health issues will be minor.

Unknown Health Issues Loom As 3D Is Deployed

$9.99 Video-Editing App For IPHONE 3GS

2010-05-12T12:12:00.008-04:00

(From Podcasting News.com -- By James Lewin)

1STVIDEO is a new $9.99 iPhone video editor that's described as the "world's most advanced video editing suite running on a mobile device."

Other editors may let you string together a few clips.

1STVIDEO allows users to put together professional quality news items, movies or podcasts, with multi-track audio, on an IPHONE 3GS device.

The secret is VERICORDER's advanced audio-video editing software, which lets you seamlessly blend multitrack sound with video clips from multiple recordings in an powerful but easy to learn, touch-based, non-destructive editor.

1STVIDEO is a complete solution for anyone who needs to quickly record, edit, send and distribute video for traditional or web media.

It is the most advanced mobile video editing solution on the market today, on any platform.

It's ideal for creating news stories on the fly, and posting directly into a newsroom or to an automated video podcasting system.

[Very cool. Worth the download. Sadly, it currently only exports H.264 .mov video files at 480x360 resolution. Sound files can be edited and sent separately as broadcast-ready .wav files, in Mono, CD quality, at 44.1 kHz.]

$9.99 Video-Editing App For iPhone 3GS

CBS Promotes IPAD-Friendly HTML5 Video For All Content By This Fall

2010-05-12T12:06:00.004-04:00

(From Engadget.com -- By Ross Miller)

Visit CBS.com from your IPAD right now and all you'll get is a full episode of SURVIVOR and clips from various other shows.

By the start of the Fall season, however, CBS INTERACTIVE Senior Vice President ANTHONY SOOHOO is promising content parity between its FLASH-based website and HTML5-compliant iPad portal.

Soohoo also notes the video strategy will be entirely web-based, with no plans for an app à la ABC PLAYER.

CBS Promotes iPad-Friendly HTML5 Video For All Content By This Fall

Interview -- COUGAR TOWN Producer BILL LAWRENCE On How The Show Transcended A Bad Title/Premise

2010-05-12T11:10:00.004-04:00

(From Inside Television - By Alan Sepinwall)

It hasn't been the best new comedy of the season
(I leave it to the warring COMMUNITY and MODERN FAMILY factions to battle that title to the death), but no show on television demonstrated a more impressive learning curve over the course of a season than ABC's COUGAR TOWN, which airs its next-to-last episode of the season tomorrow at 9:30.

What began as a sitcom that lived up -- or down -- to its title instead morphed into a charming, goofy ensemble comedy.

Instead of chasing after younger guys and obsessing over wrinkles, COURTENEY COX'S JULES is now playing den mother to a weird surrogate family in her cul de sac, trying to pass the time by drinking wine, pranking each other, writing songs and inventing silly games like the elegantly simple Penny Can.

The season's final two episodes deal with Jules' son TRAVIS (DAN BYRD) graduating from high school, and with the new relationship Jules started with neighbor GRAYSON (JOSH HOPKINS).

I spoke with the show's co-creator, BILL LAWRENCE about the abrupt and impressive hard right turn the series took about a third of the way into the season.

(There's also the obligatory SCRUBS talk at the end.)

Interview -- Cougar Town Producer Bill Lawrence On How The Show Transcended A Bad Title/Premise

Kraig Bailey, thanks for the post.

APPLE IPAD Sales

2010-05-04T13:46:00.002-04:00

(From Cynopsis)

More than 1 million APPLE IPADS have been sold as of Friday, only 28 days after its initial release -- a milestone that took the IPHONE 74 days.

iPad users have downloaded over 12 million apps from the APP STORE and over 1.5 million ebooks from the IBOOKSTORE.

The new 3G version of the iPad released on Friday sold briskly over the weekend with Apple Stores in several large cities reporting that they ran out of the new models.

ROLLTOP Designer Laptop Of The Future

2010-04-29T01:56:00.004-04:00

The device of the flexible display allows a new concept in notebook computer design growing out of the traditional bookformed laptop into unfurling and convolving portable computer.

By virtue of the OLED-Display technology and a multi touch screen the utility of a laptop computer with its weight of a mini-notebook and screen size of 13 inch easily transforms into the graphics tablet, which with its 17-inch flat screen can be also used as a primary monitor.

On top of everything else all computer utilities from power supply through the holding belt to an interactive pen are integrated in ROLLTOP.

This is really an all-in-one gadget.

Rick Smallfield, thanks for the post.

STEAMPUNK VTR Controller

2010-04-29T01:51:00.003-04:00

(From Craphound.com -- By Cory Doctorow)

At NAB I saw this STEAMPUNK style VTR controller on the show floor.

It was fully functional and not just a mockup.

Each button does a real task that broadcasters need in a VTR controller.

The workmanship was excellent.

The guys who made it are HITECHSYS.

Tom Blais, thanks for the post.

CONAN O'BRIEN To Break Silence On 60 MINUTES

2010-04-28T13:27:00.002-04:00

(From The Hollywood Reporter)

CONAN O'BRIEN's contract with NBC prohibiting any TV appearances ends Saturday.

On Sunday, O'Brien will appear on 60 MINUTES, speaking with STEVE KROFT.

The segment has already been taped in Los Angeles.

Conan O'Brien To Break Silence On 60 Minutes

HDTV

2010-04-26T10:46:00.001-04:00

BLACKIE'S -- A Local Tradition To Relish

2010-04-26T03:17:00.004-04:00

(From The Record Journal -- By Eric Heredia)

What BLACKIE'S HOT DOG STAND co-owner LARA WILLIAMS calls the "place that time forgot" was not forgotten by ESQUIRE MAGAZINE.

The 2200 Waterbury Road institution -- famous for its relish with a closely guarded family recipe -- was included in the magazine's list of 27 best restaurants for men.

Williams said men like it because it's consistent, people like their hot dogs the same way and there's a sense of nostalgia about it.

"You can feed a family of four for 20 bucks," she said. "Where else can you get that?"

Blackie's -- A Local Tradition To Relish

Young Employees Unimpressed With Peers' Efforts

2010-04-26T02:56:00.007-04:00

(From The Washington Post -- By Ian Shapira)

JARED ROGALIA, 25, a HERTZ rental car manager-trainee, is as cranky as someone twice his age when he complains about his generation's work ethic.

Here's how Rogalia characterizes his age group.

The first is: Really spoiled and lazy.
The second is: We're free-spirited.
And the third is: They'd rather be poorer and have free time than have a lot of money.

THE MILLENNIAL GENERATION -- about 50 million people ages 18 to 29 -- is the only age group in the nation that doesn't cite work ethic as one of its "principal claims to distinctiveness," according to a new PEW RESEARCH CENTER study, MILLENNIALS: CONFIDENT. CONNECTED. OPEN TO CHANGE.

The Washington-based non-profit found that young adults and their elders agree -- Baby boomers and members of Generation X have better work ethic and moral values than those in their 20s.

In a survey of about 1,200 people of all ages, those in Generation Y chose other traits to define themselves.

24% said "Technology Use"
11% went with "Music/Pop Culture"
7% chose "Liberal/Tolerant"
6% said "Smarter"

Only 5% noted their generation's "Work Ethic" -- the same portion who chose "clothes" as their distinction.

Young Employees Unimpressed With Peers' Efforts

Generation Y Faces Some Steep Financial Hurdles

2010-04-26T02:41:00.004-04:00

(From The USA Today -- By Christine Dugas)

They're called GENERATION Y -- teens and twentysomethings known stereotypically for their coddled upbringing, confidence, opinionated dialogue, free-spending habits and openness to change.

Ultimately, however, the more than 50 million members may be best remembered for whether they can overcome the dire financial straits that plague many of them.

Even before the recession, those in Generation Y -- the latest products of a get-it-now, pay-for-it-later mind-set that has permeated the nation's economy -- faced a range of financial pitfalls as they embraced expensive high-tech gadgets and added credit card debt onto student loans.

Now, stagnant wages, job insecurity, the decline in employer-sponsored health insurance and retirement benefits, the rapid increase in basic expenses, soaring debt and minimal savings have jeopardized the economic security of the entire generation, according to a recent report by DEMOS, a public policy research and advocacy think tank.

Their generation is the first in a century that is unlikely to end up better off financially than their parents, the Demos report said.

Generation Y Faces Some Steep Financial Hurdles

3D Screens -- On Your Phone

2010-04-25T18:12:00.006-04:00

(From Tech Universe)

SHARP CORPORATION said it plans to start making this year advanced 3D displays for cellphones and other mobile devices that don't require special viewing glasses, betting that demand for 3D images will grow beyond movie theatres and living rooms to portable machines.

Sharp launched mobile phones and PCs equipped with a display that enables users to watch 3D images without glasses in the early 2000s.

But they have not really caught on because of such factors as bulkiness, insufficient brightness and the lack of 3D content.

Sharp since then has developed brighter and thinner 3D displays with higher resolution and a touch panel function.

3D Screens -- On Your Phone

Keeping It Casual -- Five Great Paying Jobs With No Dress Code

2010-04-25T02:57:00.005-04:00

(From Yahoo.com)

Are you a big fan of Casual Friday?

You're not alone.

According to a survey conducted by USA TODAY,
64 percent of people feel that casual dress makes them feel more efficient.

And there are numbers to back up the sentiment.

Studies have shown that casually-dressed workers have improved morale, better productivity, and more open communication with the boss.

If you too feel more efficient when casually dressed, check out these 5 careers where every day is Casual Friday.

Keeping It Casual -- Five Great Paying Jobs With No Dress Code

Bryan Rourke, thanks for the post.

Some Photos From The Early Days of AVID -- An AVID History Tour With Author JOHN BUCK

2010-04-25T02:26:00.004-04:00

(From Bill Warner's Blog)

This is a little over a year old, but it's a unique perspective on AVID's earliest days from someone who would certainly know.

In August, 2008, I visited Avid with JOHN BUCK, who is an editor writing a book on the history and people behind non-linear editing.

His visit spurred me to take him (and me) on a nostalgic tour, and I figured I'd post some of the results in photos.

What follows are some old and some new photos. Some are copies of photos JEFF BEDELL, Avid's employee #2, keeps in his office."

Some Photos From The Early Days of Avid -- An Avid History Tour With Author John Buck

SAMSUNG Issues Warnings About 3D TV

2010-04-25T01:25:00.004-04:00

(From CNN.com)

Pregnant women, drunk people and "those who are sleep deprived" should not watch 3D television because of potential health issues, electronics manufacturer SAMSUNG says on its web site.

The company also says people at risk for stroke or epileptic seizures should consult a medical professional before watching TV in three dimensions.

The warnings come as other TV manufacturers are set to debut 3D home entertainment systems this year.

When watching 3D TV, users wear special glasses with lenses that open and close rapidly to produce an image that appears to leap off of the screen.

"Viewing 3D television may also cause motion sickness, perceptual after effects, disorientation, eye strain and decreased postural stability," the web site message says.

"It is recommended that users take frequent breaks to lessen the potential of these effects. If your eyes show signs of fatigue or dryness or if you have any of the above symptoms, immediately discontinue use of this device and do not resume using it for at least thirty minutes after the symptoms have subsided."

The TV maker also says wearing its 3D glasses in normal situations, when you're not watching 3-D TV, "may be physically harmful to you and may weaken your eyesight."

Samsung Issues Warnings About 3D TV

[So how are we going to edit and produce 3D TV?]

APPLE IPAD Stress Tests

2010-04-24T18:58:00.003-04:00

(From PC World Video)

How sturdy is APPLE's latest gadget, the IPAD?

Senior Editor TIM MOYNIHAN applied our grueling set of classic stress tests to the device so you don't have to.

Apple iPad Stress Tests

Will It Blend? -- IPAD

2010-04-24T18:56:00.002-04:00

[Cool. Minty. Refreshing.]

3D Without The Glasses

2010-04-24T12:55:00.004-04:00

(From TV Technology.com)

Display manufacturer NEWSIGHT JAPAN exhibited a 3D TV that doesn't require glasses to render 3D images

The TV set uses something called "parallax-barrier technology" to create the perception of depth on the part of the viewer.

3D Without The Glasses