Skateboards and stickers...
I recently shot some a promo piece for ATKPLN to use in their social media and marketing efforts, which included a fun stop motion piece that they edited into multiple use cases, but I did want to share the entire piece that I shot. While short it is still a bit too long for some social media uses. The “Sticker characters” originally come from a custom Skateboard Deck that we give out as “client gifts”, which I also shot some stills for.
a few details of the last Skatedecks that we gave out as “Client Gifts”. A new deck and new designs are on the way now….
A Dresser, you know .... for my frilly things.
So I made a bookcase, you know, for books....
I wanted to replace my two old , cheap, saggy, bookshelves with something that one, I built, and two, would accommodate the books that used to fit in these two old , saggy bookshelves, and three, would fit nicely on a specific wall in my office, and four, would not sag. I went round and round on designs ranging from Greene&Greene style design, especially as I had seen a trick they used to span a long distance shelf with no sagging, and then on to some more contemporary efforts but ultimately my wife was the deciding factor, after having shown her some of the sketches she gravitated towards an open style set of shelves I had drawn up. This was what I needed to move forward on this project. Sometimes it’s just another pair of eyes, or some small validation that will nudge you into action. This short piece highlights the build.
Slit Scan Update - I just couldn't help myself.
In my previous post I outlined how I did a slit scan effect manually, just to work out how it was done, and how it works, and I just couldn’t leave it alone, so I automated it. In this video I outline how I added automation to the slit scan rig, there is also some updated footage shot with the new rig.
Help support my crazy endeavors and…
Slit Scan Effect
2001 A Space Odyssey - who doesn’t remember the mind bending “Stargate” effect from that movie, this movie plus many more fired up my imagination as a kid, I wanted to see if I could achieve this effect with little to no technology. This is a small example along with a quick behind the scenes explanation of how I did it. Enjoy.
Help support my crazy endeavors and…
Dallas CASA
Earlier this year I had opportunity to. shoot this piece for Dallas CASA. This is one of those times when it really does your soul good to have used your talents, and in your chosen field, to do some real good.
Dallas CASA has launched a new training curriculum focused on effective advocacy for children in foster care who have been trafficked or are at high risk of being sexually exploited. The new training curriculum, developed in partnership with the LA-based nonprofit Saving Innocence, includes 46 online videos as well as companion guides for live training sessions.
Smirl Chapel Relocation Project
I was hired to shoot a promotional piece to help fund the teardown, the moving and relocation, and restoration of a 120 year old chapel in Heath, Texas. This is an Update to the earlier piece, the project moved ahead and the chapel has been relocated, this video adds to the previous one showcasing the hard work and dedication of those involved, additionally it showcases the moving of the structure itself, and becomes a document to the entire project.
Implosion Garage
This was a really great way to spend an early Saturday morning. I had the opportunity to have access to a great vantage point to be able to shoot this. We got up at 5 am, not a usual thing for Saturday, and headed downtown before the streets would be shut down around the site. We had access to the 27th floor of a building that overlooked the site. I shot four cameras for maximum coverage and the ability to shoot some slow motion as well. I chose lenses that would cover, wide, medium, and close on the parking garage. This was really cool to see in person. To be there and feel the concussion and hear the sound, loud, as you might expect, as well as see the glass panels on the building we were in shake and rattle with the concussive blasts.
This footage was then incorporated into a Music Video that I shot which was a collaboration between “Sarah Jaffe” and “These Machines are Winning”. Ryan Hartsell turned me on to the fact a building was being imploded in downtown so we shot it as described above, and then designed the whole music video to surround this. In the following weekends we shot everything else that was needed. So here it the music video.
”I Don’t Wanna Die Tonight”
Art Supplies
Making some ART ! I got a new “Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K”, name is too long, wow. I decided to test it out while doing a new art project and see what it could do, and how easy it is in practical use. Also to test out the Raw capability of the new BRAW codec / file format etc. I have to say I’m really happy with the options and capabilities of this camera, while it might not be a RED or an ARRI camera it is exceedingly capable. It does put those kinds of pro features in the hands of many more filmmakers. It is a super affordable camera that hits well above its price point.
James Avery Mothers Day Charm Event ..... 2019
Last year we had the opportunity to create four :15 second spots for Texas based James Avery Artisan Jewelry, celebrating mothers day. We produced the spots using stop motion animation which featured their Necklaces, Bracelets and most importantly their Charms. This year they came back to us at ATKPLN to do four more mother’s day spots! So I am are excited to share this news now. Here are a couple of the spots along with a Behind the scenes look at how we did them. These are so much fun to put together and do, stop motion is a favorite medium I like to work in. It works really well for these spots, as it is hand crafted and singular, it speaks to the artisanal quality of their jewelry, which is hand crafted by their artists.
Enjoy !
Here is the behind the scenes for this years ( 2019 ) shoot of the James Avery Mothers Day Charm event.