STS Blog

Extra Long Weekend

// September 8th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Uncategorized

Gotta love em…

Haven’t gotten much done though.  Started working on my Microsoft Certifications and a friend’s website.  I need to get back to my video.

I’m distracted :p  Someone suggest some focus techniques lol

Codecs suck

// September 3rd, 2009 // No Comments » // Entertainment, Filmmaking, Thoughts, Uncategorized

So,

I finish editing the video together and low and behold, it won’t compile.

I should have seen it coming considering that every time I split a video, a new FFDShow icon would appear in the systray.  It gets to about 30% and fails due to “disk space” (nope) or “some other error” (….??…..)

So I uninstalled the ffdshow codec and installed the newest DivX full pack.  Got to 75% this time.  I think the answer is ditching Movie Maker.  The problem is, it’s free and I don’t have the budget for anything really decent.

I may give it a go again though.  Maybe having ffdshow in there dorked up the project.  Will let ya know.  This weekend I’m going to tackle it again.

Script!

// September 1st, 2009 // No Comments » // Entertainment, Filmmaking, Thoughts

It’s a script for a 3-5 minute short film, but it’s my first completion.

The formatting isn’t really correct but I’m proud of it never the less.  I have another idea in mind too for my next one !

By the way, since filming is done I’m going to start editing tonight.  Hopefully I’ll have something to post soon.

Right Click Me, Save As…The Accident

Movie Learning

// September 1st, 2009 // No Comments » // Entertainment, Filmmaking, Thoughts

Well I finished filming for my short film last night.  I’ll start putting up clips and bits of the script this week.  I wanted to know that I could finish before I started tossing things out there.

I’ve learned many lessons about filmography from this little endeavor.  First and foremost, I’ve learned that I need to take a class for this if I’m going to continue to write and participate in the industry.

Lighting : Wow.  It’s such a key element in film but such an art to compose a scene with correct lighting.  I filmed some outside only to find out that the professionals light then stop down in post production.  Indoors, I tried to add angled light sources as best I could but my budget is such ($0) that I had to use what was available, lamps and such.  I have a lot to learn.

Camera : I’m using a cheap HD Sanyo handheld.  I chose it because 1) It’s digital, 2) I can adjust white balance, aperture/exposure and a few other factors.  However, it only autofocuses.  I always heard this can be a problem but didn’t realize how much of one.  Had to do some takes several times just to compensate for this.  There will still be some focus issues in the final product too, thanks to my lack of lighting knowledge outdoors at night.  Other than those things, the picture is fair.  I’ll invest in a “real, film quality” camera when I am able to.  I believe then I will be known as a “prosumer” instead of “consumer”.

Audio : Ugh.  I need a directional microphone.  Another cost issue.  As it stands, I re-recorded most of the noises/lines and will do what I can to clean it all up.

Summary : I only scratched the surface of the things I need to learn but I’m glad I did this project.  I have a great respect for all of the Indie film folks out there who produce such quality work.

Update soon!

Filming

// August 28th, 2009 // No Comments » // Entertainment, Thoughts, Uncategorized

I grabbed my camera and the first scene of the script and tried my hand at a few minutes of footage.  My wife stood in as the actress and I filmed short segments from several angles.

I’m working outside at night with little lighting, so it’s tough to get the shots I want but I edited what I could get into a decent effort.  I’ll provide more detail about the script and such soon.  Just wanted to let anyone who reads this know that “doing it” beats sitting around and “wanting to do it.”

Screenwriting

// August 27th, 2009 // No Comments » // Entertainment, Thoughts

I have been doing a lot of research into formatting and writing scripts.  I have dozens of short stories and plenty of experience writing in general, but very limited experience in this realm.

It’s a funny thing to say, but I’m happy to see that there’s an industry standard.  I started writing my first screenplay.  My intention is for it to be a 2-3 minute short about a woman whose husband was in a vehicular accident.  She’s at home waiting for news.  The object is to build up the audience’s empathy for the character in a short period of time.  I’ll post it once I have a draft I’m happy with.

New Endeavor

// August 25th, 2009 // No Comments » // Entertainment, Thoughts

I’ve decided after a fantastic experience this past weekend to try a new endeavor.  Independent film is a fascinating outlet for creativity.  I helped on the set of a short movie and was able to see the remarkable interaction between the director, sound, producers, cameramen and how enjoyable the experience was.

I’ve looked for a way to express my visions.  Short stories and novel writing are a great medium, but they don’t provide me the satisfaction I seek.

I’m not going to be able to purchase the caliber of equipment they have but hopefully in the weeks to come, I will be able to learn a few things about editing, composition, audio and the other aspects of production.  I’ll use the blog to track my learning progress and hopefully provide information for other people who might be interested in trodding down the same path.

Step one is learning as much as I can about writing a screen play.  I’ll post any information I find here to have a depository of sorts.  The first site I stumbled across that actually had decent information is http://www.makingthefilm.com.  I’m trying to not get too excited, but it’s happening anyway.

Talk to you soon and, wish me luck!

Meet Keira

// June 4th, 2009 // 6 Comments » // Uncategorized

I havent’ posted in the past few days because we have a new member in our family!

Keira

This is Keira, a (presumably) mix German Shepherd / ?.  I think she has the face shape of a Husky puppy.  Her first vet visit is this afternoon, maybe he can tell us what he thinks.

She’s playful, full of energy and seems to be remarkably intelligent.  My wife and I are excited about this, it’s something we’ve wanted to do for years.

By the way, I no longer require login for comments, tell me what breeds you think she is!

Unidentified

// May 30th, 2009 // No Comments » // Entertainment, Thoughts

I just posted one of my short stories for your enjoyment.  It’s titled “Unidentified”  (Click to read).

It’s a fairly quick read, but I think you’ll enjoy it.

Also, a new pages category has been added on the top menu titled “Short Stories”.  I have several that I’ve written over the years that I’m revising and posting for readers to digest.

Thanks!  Any feedback is welcome.

I Love Sugar! I Love Pie! Science Never Tasted So Good.

// May 30th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Entertainment, Thoughts

I like to cook and bake.  Yes, they’re exclusively different.  They are both a process in which the results are often delicious.  Cooking is more of an art.  A dash of pepper, a little more chipotle.  Baking is more of a science.  350 degrees for 35 minutes or the chicken is dry/still pink.

That said, I wanted to share one of the best tasting recipes for a dessert I’ve ever enjoyed or made (not sure of its origin, I’m not claiming its development).  It’s simple, and kills at gatherings.  All of you out there who have had it  know exactly what I’m talking about.  Here goes.

Peaches and Cream Pie.. mmm…

First, the ENTIRE ingredient list.  This is what you need for the whole process.  After this list I will provide directions…

• Electric mixer or whisk
• 2 Mixing bowls (unless you don’t mind washing one out half way through the process)
• 10 inch pie dish
• Pam cooking spray
• ¾ cup flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1 pkg. cook-n-serve vanilla pudding (small size)
• 1 egg
• 3 T. butter
• ½ cup milk
• 1 large can of peach slices in syrup (you’ll keep the syrup for one of the steps)
• 8 oz. cream cheese (let this soften before use)
• ½ cup sugar

(finishing touches)

• 1 T. granulated sugar
• 1 tsp. cinnamon

Okay, here are the directions.

Filling:

1. In a large bowl, beat flour, baking powder, salt, cook-n-serve, egg, butter, milk for 2 min. at medium speed.
2. Pour into 10″ deep dish pie plate (sprayed with Pam).
3. Drain 1 large can of peach slices, reserving syrup.
4. Place peach slices on top of filling to within one inch of sides of pan. (Leaves 1 inch of filling exposed around the outside edge)

Topping:

(Preheat oven to 350 at this point)

8 oz. cream cheese
½ cup sugar
3 T. reserved syrup from peaches

1. Mix the above together 2 minutes at medium speed in separate bowl or washed out original bowl.
2. Spoon on top of peaches to within 1 inch of pie pan sides.
3. Sprinkle all over with 1 T sugar mixed with ½ tsp. cinnamon.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. (Golden brown on the exposed filling).

You can cut into it after it’s done in the oven, but it won’t stay together very well.  I stick it in the fridge for an hour or two and it cuts nicely.  Tastes great either way.

Mmm... Pie... *Homer drool*

Science never tasted so good.