The Studio Center set to produce "Doing Time"

Writer/Director Joyce Glover is about to commence production on her new full-length movie "Doing Time". As all of Joyce's scripts, this one is a very intense, in-depth look at family dynamics and relationships that are particular to the African-American community...yet have profound messages for us all. I directed two of Joyce's first movies: "The Mile In Her Shoes" and "The 9th". Joyce went on to write and direct a third movie and this will be her fourth. Originally this was to be a short movie, but then it just grew and grew. At that point her initial crew realized they may be in over their heads, so that's when Joyce called me and asked if I would consider producing and shooting the feature for her. How could I say no?... Not to mention I believe in Joyce's writing and projects. Obviously I think this one has great potential.

In addition to all that, I want to open the doors to those that would like to get some real movie making experience. I rarely work with interns or trainees. But this time I want to start to develop a crew pool for future productions. I will take on a few interns for this project who will have to the opportunity to not only work with us, but it will be treated as a serious learning experience. I will tell you what I'm doing, and more importantly why. Why I make the choices I do... What's the look I'm trying to achieve and why...etc. If you're interested, drop me an email at Frank@TheStudioCenter.com and I'll fill you in on the projected shooting schedule.

Learning the Sony EX1

Whew, What a Camera! This thing is amazing. I'm not going to review it here since there is plenty out there on the web. Just a note...When I check out the DVX User chat lines, which were pretty much dedicated to the Panasonic HVS-200, many posters are asking how they can sell their Panasonics and get the EX1. That alone should tell ya something. It's obviously no contest when you look at the specs. That's what tipped the scale for us to buy one. You gotta be careful when you pick your equipment purchase points when you're in business for yourself. You can't always go out and buy the latest and greatest just because it's the latest and greatest. You have to ask: Is there a market supported for this in the town where I make my living? Will it make any difference to my clients? Are they willing to pay more for it? Or will I actually lose business if I don't have it? For most of High Definition the answers were a NO. We were going to buy the Sony F-330 for $40,000, but then I came to the conclusion that's nuts! I won't be able to charge any more even with that camera...and the monthly payments will be over $1,000 per month. What will it be like when business bottoms out?... Like NOW! So when you look at the fantastic specs of the EX1...and you can get it for under $7,000! That tipped the scale. Why do we even need HD? Actually we don't. No way to deliver it anyway. But I will admit, even as bad a resolution as web video is, the HD camera original footage looks better than our DVCAM originated footage... that's why we bought it. Oh and did I mention it will be a great camera for shooting feature movies on... That's the secret reason we got one!