Sacramento Video & Film

We Have a New Website Homepage Up

2011-12-06T22:40:00.000-08:00

It's been due for awhile. How about 15 years? Our original website certainly did it's job, but it's been getting a little "long in the tooth"... meaning "old" for you kiddies that haven't heard that old saying before.
We're working on a new design and when you go to www.thestudiocenter.com, you'll see the beginnings of this new home page. It's looking cool. I actually pop on with a chromakeyed video to explain things are still under construction and that even better things are coming soon. And they are.
When we get all the buttons working, you see a new video on one of our new products we'll be promoting this year. It's called the "Reveal Video", and we'll be specializing in doing this animated graphics process very much like a cross between what we've seen on the UPS commercial and how we move around an iPhone. I really think it will generate some excitement and possibilities for some new videos. Keep in mind the adult attention span is only a few minutes, so this really helps entertain the viewer while delivering the information. When that new video is posted on the homepage, you'll definitely want to check it out. Also, we'll be starting up a new "Resources" page where we invite other crafts people to post what they do and how to contact them.... like audio people, make-up, grips, etc. And... It's all free.
So keep checking back on the www.thestudiocenter.com site because we're going to keep adding lots of stuff.

Changing Movie Profit Dynamics

2011-06-01T13:39:00.000-07:00

I'm not a big fan of movie making guru Dov SS Simons, but he wrote something the other day I totally agree with. Dov noted the change in which movies are profitable relative to their productions budgets. It used to be there were three levels of movie making budgets: The Mega-Budget from the big studios, The Medium Budget from the smaller independent producers and so-called Mini-Majors, and then the Mini-Budget from the real small Indy's with about a million dollars. The Big Boys tended to make the big money, but they had to have a big hit once in a while to offset their big bombs. The Mediums were a hit and miss, as were the Mini's. There was no such thing as a Micro-Budget (around $100K budget) until we saw the advent of the total digital production capability.

Now it seems the guys in the middle are finding it impossible to make a dollar. Their production costs are way too high if they have to go straight to DVD in order to make any profit. Most will have to go this route since the theatrical release space will always be dominated by the Majors...and even then, the Medium budget people were not going to get a very good split from the Exhibitors since they maybe a "one trick pony" and nothing else waiting in the wings to make the theater owners want to be competitive.

For a long time now, I've been predicting a new business model was about to emerge from the "Digital Download Revolution"... and Dov seems now to notice it also. The Micro-Budget movie maker is now able to be profitable, on their relative scale, with these small budget features, utilizing the web and social media as their main marketing tools. Keeping budgets around $100,000, a filmmaker may actually be able to realize profits in the 100% - 200% range. That should sound interesting to small investors too.

So perhaps a new "Golden Age" is upon us as movie makers. It certainly favors the younger generations who know how to leverage the Internet. Old Dogs like myself now have to get Social Media Smarts... I think I just Tweeted my Twitter.

Two Reasons To Make A Movie

2011-02-04T11:26:00.000-08:00

It seems filmmaking breaks down into two arenas:

1. Filmmaking for the shear joy of it… The art of it… and

2. Filmmaking as a financial venture.

Filmmakers tend to mix and confuse these two elements all the time.

Typically, one will embark on a movie project from the exciting creative prospects of it all; then to descend into the headache-producing world of financial, legal requirements, sales, contract issues, etc. Somehow they will raise their head and shout, “Hey, this isn’t what I signed on for”… and they’re right.

It happened because they weren’t clear on their objectives at the beginning. They had only planned on making a movie… not embarking on a start-up business enterprise. That is the prime reason for most financial failures of most small movies... No planning for a financial venture.

When the filmmakers sat down at the table, they were planning out a movie… something wonderfully creative… something that would make them stretch their creative muscles… something that would feed their creative soul. Somewhere along the way, the idea entered: “Hey, maybe we could sell this thing and make some money too?... You know, get a distribution deal and see this movie in real movie theatres. How hard could that be?” They probably don’t say that last sentence. That question doesn’t even enter their mind at that point. It’s more likely thought of as merely a “standard process” and at the end of the chain, checks arrive in the mail. Sometime after the movie is made, the rude awakening is what arrives instead.

So I would propose we separate the two thoughts on moviemaking. Let’s be clear if we’re making the movie for the pure and simple pleasure of making it, versus making it as a “product” to be marketed and sold by a business enterprise. That would sure help in keeping things in perspective and reduce a lot of angst.

I'll be talking more about how to do this on the new site: www.thestudiocenterfilmschool.com

Dangerous Stunts

2011-02-03T13:24:00.000-08:00

Was in a discussion this week with a fellow filmmaker who was wondering how he was going to shoot a particular special effect scene where the actor was to be suspended and tumbling, in front of a green screen. Red Flags were being hoisted high for me. Even though they were going to use a professional harness (which is a must) and have a professional flying rig (which is a must), still there is the question of the HUGE liability involved. Hey, what could possible go wrong? Plenty... AND the consequences could easily be LIFE altering... all for that one shot. Not worth it in my book.
This is the temptation I've seen many times in no-budget movies... "How can we do something just like the Multi-Million dollar guys?" Simple answer...You can't. At least not the WAY they do it.
What could go wrong? How about the rig fails and fall on the actor's head? How about the harness fails while the actor is suspended upside down, even a few feet off the floor... Could put him in a wheelchair for life. And you in the poor house for LIFE. ..even if you have insurance (that will probably be inadequate to cover the jury award). All for that one scene in a no-budget movie.
Here's where we need to be creative which is your mantra in a no-budget movie. How else could you simulate that effect without the need of a flying rig? There are a number of creative ways that will soon be shown at www.thestudiocenterfilmschool.com . At the very least, you could re-write the script to show the samething. We'll be talking about all the options.

Things Are Looking Up

2011-02-03T13:16:00.000-08:00

From an absolutely terrible 4th quarter last year, we had the bottom of the recession hit the video market here in Sacramento in January. It was the worst I've seen the business in the past 30 years or so! In this business, one goal is just to survive. The market will always come back up at some point... but if you're not there anymore, it won't matter will it? So just having the ability to survive the downturns is an important attribute to have in this business. Thankfully, we're having a more active than normal February. I think that's because there is quite a bit of pent up projects that people were holding back on until they were sure it was safe to come out. Hey, I was doing the samething. The rule around here was "don't go buy anything... we may need that money for electricity next month"... and unfortunately, that point of view only kept money out of circulation and kept the recession going on longer. It is no nice to see Spring is on the way!

Office Available

2010-03-21T23:19:00.000-07:00

There's an opening at The Studio Center. A 9x12 room is available for $250/mo, all utils included. If you're looking for a presences in one of the most active studios in northern California, give me a call to take a look at it... and all the bene's you'll get.

Cool TurnTable for the Studio

2010-02-26T15:11:00.000-08:00

Check out this Turntable built by Master Set Builder Ed Duffy of Artfab. As you can see, it holds some substantial weight and is belt driven with a variable speed motor. We rent it here at The Studio Center.

First Step to Digital Distribution Announced at CES

2010-02-19T10:28:00.000-08:00

What I've been predicting has just been announced at the Consumer Electronics Show ( CES). Intel has unveiled its new WiDi device... or Wireless Display Technology. This device, along with Netgear's Push2TV Adapter, allows an Internet download to be transmitted from your computer to your big LCD screen in the living room. The device is a bit pricey right now ( as ALL tech breakthoughs are at their beginning) and haven't read reviews of the quality yet... But... This is the first crucial step in the coming Digital Download Revolution for movie distribution.

Netflix Sees The Future of Film Distribution To Be The Internet

2010-02-19T09:24:00.000-08:00

An article in the 2-19 internet issue of IT Solutions tells of a deal struck between Warner Bros. and Netflix, where Netflix will refrain from renting new Warner releases for a month, in exchange for Digital Download rights in the future... What does that tell ya? Netflix sees the future of distribution to be in the Internet Digital Download. And so far Netflix has been right on most of the time.
So much so, we may be seeing the slow dissolution of Blockbuster with their incompetent management having missed most of the above messages.

Ryan Todd Directing Music Video

2010-01-17T08:22:00.000-08:00

Ryan Todd (he's the one in the hat) was in The Studio Center recently, directing a new music video on the GreenScreen set. Eric Maddox was shooting with the Sony EX1 High Definition camera... like the two we have in-house here at The Studio Center. More pictures to come.

Boo

2009-10-29T18:17:00.000-07:00

Frank & Fred get really excited about Halloween at The Studio Center

EX3 with Teleprompter

2009-09-21T12:40:00.000-07:00

Here's a behind-the-scenes look from this past week in the studio with director Bill Bayne setting up a shot with a Sony EX3... Same camera as our EX1 (different lens). Notice how easily it sits on our teleprompter for a really pro-look production.

2009-09-20T00:08:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody... We're doing it again! People have been asking for us to do The Studio Center Garage Sale again...and here it is: Saturday, 9-26-09 at 8am, we will be doing our 2nd Big End-of-Summer Garage Sale. We gotta clean out our store room. New merchandise arriving daily...No, that's another commercial. But hey, if you have stuff you want to sell too, come on down... It's free. Also, Northern Calif. Writers & Filmmakers group will be providing free coffee and goodies. Weather should be great. See you here!!!

KeJo Productions

2009-08-29T20:43:00.000-07:00

Jo Haskin was in the studio doing a production for the Veteran's Administration. Had a full crew, including Brian Hamm doing his magic with the RED camera... Also notice the camera is sitting on top a beta test unit of the new GearNex pan & tilt head. We'll be hearing lots about that in the future. Sorry the focus is soft...pressed a wrong button... but I'm a professional you know!

Sony EX1 & EX3 are the choice of the Pros!

2009-08-18T14:57:00.000-07:00

After extensive research, we purchased this camera last year. Indeed, it is the biggest bang for the buck to shoot full High Definition 1080p. I think we were validated in our choice by a recent article (Mar.09) in American Cinematographer where they interviewed four top DPs who shoot four of the top TV series, such as "The Usuals" and Showtime's "Dexter". Two still shot in Panavision 35mm, but the two aformentioned shows are shot with the $200K Sony F23... AND the above Sony EX1. More and more of Hollywood pros are using the EX1 to intercut with their more expensive bretheren because they look close to the same picture. Only an engineer might tell the difference.
I love the Sony EX1... Matter of fact, we're starting an EX1 User's Group, so if you own one also, shoot me an email to make sure you're on our mailing list.

Behind the Scenes

2009-08-14T07:48:00.000-07:00

Quick behind-the-scenes look at an Exercise Infomercial just shot at The Studio Center. Produced by Dan Dunn, Directed by Kip Hall, superb lighting by Dave Bunge and his Grip Services crew, set built by Bud Rice, camera & audio by Stan Chan, and that big boom operated by Bret Allen. The pictures looked fantastic. It's always amazing what you can do with creative lighting.

Shooting the Cave Scenes from 11-Bravo

2009-08-06T23:04:00.000-07:00

The cast was getting a little edgy at the end of the day around Director Frank Casanova while shooting scenes from "The 11-Bravo Diaries". This mine shaft in Placerville stood in for a cave in Afghanistan... the good news is that it was connected to the Cozmic Cafe on Main Street in Placerville... that means food, drink, and restrooms readily available !!!!

"The 11-Bravo Diaries"

2009-08-06T17:04:00.000-07:00

Shooting a scene in Capitol Park for "The 11-Bravo Diaries". Frank is using the Sony EX1, while Ryan Lomeli has the slate, and Mario Garcia does audio.

2009-08-04T12:09:00.000-07:00

The boys are back making their latest music video with the Red camera. DP Brian Hamm is setting up the Red camera over our singer while director Ryan Todd checks the monitor. Tobija Annis is doing still photography at the same time. Can't wait to see the results...These guys always deliver!

2009-07-19T12:23:00.000-07:00

That's not Yosemite Sam skimming across the Laguna Madre Bay near South Padre Island, Texas, at 35mph over 2 ft. water...Temp is over 100 degrees AND 95% humidity. It's like a blast furnace in your face. That's why you have to cover up, or you'll just bake out there. And I was out there on the water for 10 hours a day for 7 days. My EX1 couldn't take the high heat and humidity after about 2pm in the afternoon and just shut down. Had to go to a back up camera until the EX1 came back on later that night.
This is a Fly-Fishing movie called "Red Fish Summer"...now in editing.

State Fair Spots Last Week

2009-05-31T20:08:00.000-07:00

Yes, It's true! Poppy was in the house! In case you don't know, Poppy is the bear mascot for the State Fair. Inside that costume there's a guy sweatin' away. Anyway there were also twelve 12 year-olds cavorting with the big yellow guy in greenscreen. I thought we were going to have to put some fresh D-cells in the cattle-prod to keep all those kids in line, but they were all pros. The State Fair spots should hit the air in a few weeks.

Big Music Video Production

2009-05-31T19:59:00.000-07:00

Deon Taylor and a crew of over 30 top pros are in the studio doing a high-end music video Sunday (5-31) after shooting around town. They've got 5 motorhomes parked in our lot, 2 grip trucks...and their own generator...Plus they're shooting with TWO Red cameras... and these guys are movin'!
(photos coming soon)

Big APCS Casting Call a Success!

2009-05-21T23:36:00.000-07:00

Whew...What night at the A Place Called Sacramento Crew & Casting Call. Ron Cooper estimated over 250 people and I have to agree. I gotta thank everyone who stopped by my table for "Beatrice & The Bike Thief"... I don't think there was ever less than 15 or 20 people in that line! I didn't leave until after 9pm so I could talk to everyone in line (that was over 3 hours). I'll be sending out emails to everyone to list the times and subjects of our free production job training seminars. Thanks again!

Beatrice & The Bike Thief

2009-05-14T22:55:00.000-07:00

We were just informed that my script for the short movie "Beatrice & The Bike Thief" has been selected to be in this years A Place Called Sacramento Film Festival Oct.4th at The Crest. This ought to be a fun one... It's a Disney-style comedy with kids on bikes...and Beatrice who fancies herself as a detective... on the trail of bike thieves.
We'll be casting by the end of May and hope to start production in June. We will have the website up soon... www.BeatriceAndTheBikeThief.info

Visit by The Governator

2009-05-12T13:06:00.000-07:00

Yep... Here he is driving up to The Studio Center with his entourage. First thing Arnold did was to walk into my office where I was talking to my brother (and Chief Editor) Fred, asking "So Vhat are you two up to?"... After welcoming him to The Studio Center, I told him we run the place. The Gov then says, "So, you're not doing much of anything then?" I had to retort,"You've been dealing with too many studio people haven't you?" He says, "A few... Nice to meet you"... he flashes that big smile, shakes hands and walks back into the studio to do his thing.

New Metal Scupture Logo on Building

2009-04-19T21:51:00.000-07:00

Fred Casanova is preparing to mount The Studio Center Logo onto the building.

As you saw in previous photos, Fred built the logo himself... Talented guy, besides being our chief Final Cut Pro guru!!
The finished logo is being mounted into it's final position... It's really cool. Wait until you see the back lights !

New TV spot

2009-04-08T09:03:00.000-07:00

Ryan Todd was in the studio again...this time as producer, with Chad Turner directing a spot for a communications company. As usual, Dave Bunge did an amazing job of lighting the three sets... From the simple table-top work , to a hip lounge scene, to the fun "walk up the side of a wall" greenscreen trick. Eric Maddox brought in his Sony EX1 High Def camera ( just like the one we have in-house! ). Toby Annis and Mike Booth headed up the crew of about 7. These guys are all pros and shot the whole thing in a day.

New Building Logo Being Made

2009-04-01T21:12:00.000-07:00

If you've been by The Studio Center anytime in the last few months, you might wonder where you are. All you'll see is the "915" near the front door. Since we repainted the building with new colors...and a bit more sophisticated I might add... we had to paint over the old logo. That was OK because we had plans for a new metal sculpted logo to go in it's place. Since this is also a piece of art, things just take longer than you might expect. But as you can see, the work is in progress! It's really gonna be cool!

Swap Meet Great Success

2009-03-21T23:11:00.000-07:00

Wow...It was great fun...and we sold a lot of stuff... Although I was the first to break my first rule: We shouldn't just sell stuff to each other. Craig Witter had a Matthews BeefyBaby light stand that retails for $200 and he was only asking $10 since it had a broken set screw ( I knew I could fix )... My 10 bucks came out of my wallet so fast... and it was only 8:30! Didn't realize it later that some others were running to get some cash to buy these bargains. Ya know, it's the Quick and the Dead at these sales.

Seriously, my thanks to all those who participated since the weather turned a bit cold on us, but no rain. We had people coming from the Bay Area and Lake Tahoe. CFAA made a few bucks selling coffee and donuts! Plus great networking. We all decided we have to do this again this summer... AND WE WILL !!!

Jim Finnerty in doing a spot

2009-03-11T22:21:00.000-07:00

Well known Northern California on-camera talent Jim Finnerty was in the studio last week doing a green screen spot with our High Definition Sony EX1 camera. The guy is amazing. Not only does he nail the spot on the first take, the subsequent takes are all about giving the producer a number of different reads so they have a great choice when they get to post production edit. This is the prime example why people say it pays to hire a pro... Ya get it right the first time... and it looks more than right, it's great!!
You can also catch Jim on KVIE's "America's Heartland" where he is now a Producer besides being an on-camera host.

Gotta Love This One

2009-02-18T08:52:00.000-08:00

How to price a video... It's always a tough call. My on-going joke is: It's like asking "How long is a string?". Obviously, the answer is it could be anywhere. Usually a prospect calls and asks how much it costs to do a video. After biting my lip, I go through this explanation. What they're really saying is 1) they have no idea where the pricing ballpark is, and 2) they want you to say a number first so that if you're foolish enough to cut your price to the bone, they may take you up on it.
More on all of this in a later post.
My biggest laugh today was when a law firm emailed me and said they wanted to do a short video for their website, but two things: 1) they wanted it very professional, and 2) they wanted it very cheap! Duh, yeah, sure... I just emailed them back... "Hey, that's exactly the way I shop for an attorney!"

Where is Indy moviemaking going now?

2009-02-13T17:22:00.000-08:00

Just when you thought was getting good....The old rug pull! Latest info from the film markets is the fewest number of indy movies are being pick-up... and for the lowest prices. Why? Simply because there is now a glut in the marketplace. The very things that made it easier for all of us to make good looking movies, i.e.; Hi-Def cameras like the Sony EX1 and fantastic editing systems like Final Cut Pro with the Studio II bundle, have also allowed a bunch of other folks into the pond. Many with marginal talent, yet they get to muddy the waters. I'm even reading posts where video guys are bemoaning that falling marketplace and saying they think they'll get into feature moviemaking as a what to make some money?!?! What? That's truly a grasping at straws. Let's see... you have falling income now, so let's go out and spend, spend, spend on a high risk venture that has a history of not making the investment back? Duh... Yeah, that's the ticket! And there's the message. From the outside, moviemaking looks profitable, but I ask you, who do you know in Sacramento that has made "profit" from making movies. Maybe one or two I can think of, but that's it.
Now I didn't say I'm going to quit making movies. What I am saying is, I have to be even more careful on the budgets in order to even have a chance to make a profit. I'm not going to look at those inflated $750k to $2million budgets because if I have to self distribut (which is most likely going to be the case), I pretty much have guaranteed I'm going to have a substantial loss. My thinking is to keep the budgets around $80K to $150K and I might have a chance.

Piano Disc Product DVD

2009-02-01T14:47:00.000-08:00

PianoDisc was in this week doing another DVD production. These are essentially "music videos". But rather than a single extremely over produced song, PianoDisc does a whole album of material. The purpose is to produce a product that they sell to their customers of their "customized" grand pianos. The pianos are outfitted with an electronic device that essentially converts them into "player pianos". Then they are hooked up to a High Definition DVD player where the customer can see the music video, but the sound is, in fact, coming out of the piano! So you're getting a personal performance on the piano in your living room and are able to see that performance on your big screen TV. Quite a product...but alas, only if you have the money!

Stan, Frank, and the Ducky

2009-01-25T23:04:00.000-08:00

Bumped into Stan Atkinson at the Sacramento Home and Landscape show... OK, OK, Stan was a cardboard cut-out. But I couldn't help tormenting his ducky... especially since Stan didn't do his last commercial at The Studio Center like he had planned. That ducky will pay dearly for that!

Is Hollywood Leaving Hollywood?

2009-01-22T08:44:00.000-08:00

In a word... Yes. Those of us who have followed the Film Industry for years already know this, but it was underscored in this weeks CFAA (Capital Film Arts Alliance) meeting with Burbank Assemblyman Paul Krekorian. He mentioned that 43 other states have some film industry incentives...California is not one of them. And I'll bet we won't get some anytime soon with this current legislature. How can lawmakers be persuaded to cut a deal for one group in the face of the catastrophic deficits? And especially most Republicans will block any such attempt. So as Assemblyman Krekorian said, "It's a dead issue". Just as the aerospace industry left LA, wave goodby to the film industry.
That being said, the big studio lots will still be there, but mostly to do Television, which will stay. Movies will still be financed out of those big building in Century City, just as Redwood Palms finances movies out of Folsom... But they won't be made there, as they are not here.
Don't forget... The the movie industry moved to LA from New York indeed for mostly economic reasons. And that's why they will now move out of LA to more receptive places like New Mexico, Louisiana, North Carolina, along with Vancouver, etc.
What does that mean for us here in Sacramento? Pretty much nothing. We haven't seen a big budget Hollywood movie up here for years...and that probably won't change ( remember, we're still in California). What can we do about it? Pretty much nothing (remember, we're still in California).
More comments about Sacramento Filmmaking to come !!!

Guess where I've been?

2008-12-24T22:02:00.000-08:00

I'm back after two weeks... in Modesto! NO... You guessed it... China.
And now I'm settling in as the Last Emperor of Fee Drive! Seriously... It was an amazing trip as you might guess... And the stories I can now tell. Got to climb The Great Wall... Look over the Terra Cotta Warriors in Xi-An. Walk through Tianenmen Square where my picture will hang up there next to Mao's (not). And explore The Forbidden City. But shoot me if I order Chinese food anytime in the next few weeks!

David Benoit at The Studio Center

2008-11-02T20:20:00.000-08:00

Five time Grammy nominee, world renown jazz pianist David Benoit was at The Studio Center this week recording a music presentation for PianoDisc. You can't listen to KSSJ Smooth Jazz for more than a hour without hearing one of David's more than 400 recorded titles since he has over 30 albums out there. Also David is the creator of the soundtracks for all the recent "Peanuts" TV specials... and even recorded the bumper for the Weather Channel's "Local On The 8's". I told him that was my personal favorite (He got a big laugh). Here's a picture of David in the studio and with Fred Casanova, our Senior Editor.

2008-10-19T10:05:00.000-07:00

Here's a shot from a new exercise video recently produced at The Studio Center by Pascale VanderBrouck. This series of aerobic workouts will eventually be distributed on DVD and available as Web downloads. It was a full day of gettin' sweaty!

2008-10-14T22:24:00.000-07:00

Another Great set built by Edward Duffy and Peter VanDyke with gorgeous lighting by Dave Bunge. The pictures from the Sony EX1 High Def camera were just superb. We were recording directly from the camera via the SDI connection to a laptop computer and onto an external hard-drive which then is taken into the edit suite. No transfer waiting time. The output is stunning. Just saw a couple of the spots on broadcast TV and I would be hardpressed to say they weren't shot on film. The EX1 has so many settings and variables you can emulate a film-look right in the camera. It's been one of our best acquisitions.

Political Spots Are Heavy This Year

2008-10-08T09:29:00.000-07:00

This has been a very active "Political Season" for The Studio Center this year. We've been fortunate to get some heavy traffic from the political gurus making their TV spots here. Last election was almost non-existent for us. Of course it was an "off year" election where not much money is spent...meaning most of the spots were created in the editing suite (graphics and voice-overs) as opposed to live people on-camera. This year they're pull out the stops again...even to the extent of building expensive sets. Rarely does anyone build sets anymore...Like I said, too expensive. This year they're throwing money at it... Bless them!
The lower pix is a great kitchen set built by Edward Duffy of ArtFab and lit by Dave Bunge of Grip Services... two of Sacramento's top professionals in their craft. The upper photo shows DP Chris Robson shooting the spots with The Studio Center's new High Definition Sony EX1 camera. Naturally, the spots looked great! Coyote Films and director Bill Bayne will be in again next week for another round of these political spots... Did I say "bless them!"

The Studio Center Gets a New Paint Job

2008-08-21T21:47:00.001-07:00

Well, it's been nearly twelve years at The Studio Center, and the peeling paint was proving that. Actually, I kinda liked that "old studio" look with all that the peeling paint was providing. You know, like the old 1930s Warner Bros water tower. But alas, a number of my tenants reminded me...hey, it's peeling paint! So this week we're hand chipping off the damaged areas and priming them...Ready for the new paint, AND a new color scheme with a great new sign. But I'll show you pictures of that later. Today, here's how it looks... Just so you can appreciate the work. AND so you can find the place when you're coming by!

What Distributors Want

2008-08-05T17:17:00.000-07:00

Ok, Ok...I know I've left you hanging with that last entry. I do have excuses though. This business likes to shut off like a faucet and then after a while it will turn on again. Sometimes for no good reason. The most important thing is simply your ability to last. The business always comes back...but you have to "be there" to get any benefit from that upswing. Most videographers go under in times like these... no staying power.
Back to Home Media Expo and my visit with distributors...................
Almost every one of these people said they wanted more "family" productions. You know, the box cover with the young girl or boy with maybe mom or dad behind them smiling...and of course, the horse, or cute dog ( I want more gerbils! ). I asked, " You mean Disney"... they said you mean "disneyesk... We can use the word Disney". Ok, picky picky. But you get the idea. Something that they can rent or sell to the Family. They just don't have enough G rated product. We're over saturated with horror right now. Comedy is hard. So "heartwarming" is in. That was very understandable. Those big screens are being sold to... Families, and they want something to watch that won't gross half of them out. Sorry if you're planning a horror movie (actually not, you still have a great foreign market).
But here's the bit that blew me away... I would ask a dist.rep. "If you were able to order up a movie genre that you knew you could sell this week...what would it be?" Besides the Family genre, 5 of the 30 said... WESTERNS ! What??? Westerns aren't even on my radar! Westerns have been passe for over 20 years. They said "That's exactly why we want some". I told them you just made a bunch of Reinactor Groups in Sacramento very happy. So what if you would combine genres... the family western? That would be Little House on the Prarie or even Bonanza. It might even be 3:10 To Yuma... a bit about honor and values, not just gun slinging. My head was spinning on that one.

Back From HomeMedia Expo

2008-07-01T00:40:00.000-07:00

Just returned from a few days in Las Vegas at the Home Media Expo where I had a chance to meet and greet a number of film distributors. The Home Media Expo (sponsored by Home Media Magazine, one of the two top trade mags to the DVD marketing business) produces the convention with the primary purpose of bringing together distributors and video store owners. Along the way they also want to talk to "content providers"...that's us filmmakers. We're not the primary attraction here, but we're a little more than tolerated. The big guys ( Paramount, Fox, Universal, Sony, Warner, etc.) are pushing their product, but they're also buyers (acquisition) of our product... Along with a host of smaller players, who probably are more important to you and me as small independent filmmakers.
I had a chance to meet with about 30 of them over the 3 days of the Expo...distributors like Image Entertainment, Allumination Films, Vanguard, Echo Bridge, Vivendi, Monterey Media, Porchlight Films, Peach Arch Films, etc. They both produce their own movies and they buy movies from other producers.
HomeMedia Expo did have one session I wasn't going to miss: It was a two hour pitch session between Indy Filmmakers and some distributors (unfortunately, many didn't show)...but it was a great learning time to observe the session with those who were in attendance. You got to see exactly what it's like to pitch a distributor and question why they do what they do. Most of these people (distributor acquisition people) are young, in they're late 20s or early 30s. They're in a high pressure job...They have to find product for their company to sell or the company doesn't make any money... BUT they can't choose the wrong product that costs their company wasted dollars. Do that wrong a number of times and there won't be a company left. One guy said his days were spent in front of three screens at his desk: Two were computer screens, one for emails, one for other programs, and the third was a video screen where the prospective screeners were playing. He said he continually glances back and forth to all three. Each movie will get about 30 minutes of his very divided attention...and if nothing attracts more of his attention, he'll toss the movie.
A guy from LA was pitching 15 horror movies he had made. All low budget, no name. The Distrib Guy asked who produced most of them. The LA filmmaker said he did out of his own pocket. You could see the Distrib Guy look him up and down coming to the conclusion he didn't look wealthy, and then asked what the budgets of each movie were. The LA Guy says "about 10 to 15 thousand". Immediately the Distrib Guy says he's not interested and walks away. The LA Filmmaker was crestfallen. I take pity on him and pull him aside telling him you never ever tell a Distrib Guy what your budgets were. First of all, it's none of their business, and secondly, you are immediately Pigeon Holed as was this case. Some of the movies could have been good, but the Distrib Guy didn't want to be bothered once he heard how low the budgets were (although he was probably right). If you divulge the budget and do get a distribution offer, most likely the amount of your budget will be the highest offer you ever get. Your response to the question of "how much did it cost to make your movie?" ought to be Dov S.S.Simon's suggested "Somewhere under a million!". Then they will smile, knowing they are talking to someone who has an inkling of how to play the game.
Next up...What genres the Distribs said they'd like to see more of... what they want to buy. The answer almost blew me away!!!

KXTV News10 Doing White Set Spot

2008-06-05T00:17:00.000-07:00

A News10 crew was in also doing a "White Set" spot for Schools Credit Union. Directed by Senior Commercial Producer Rebecca Connell and shot by Landon Lee with a Sony XDCAM F350. Every since the famous Apple computer spots using the "horizonless" white background, there's been a great demand for creating the same look for many other clients. The 35 foot coved white wall achieves this look, especially with our Videssence lighting.

Haven Falls Productions doing video for Schools

2008-05-31T16:34:00.000-07:00

This past week, Haven Falls Motion Pictures out of Davis was in the studio shooting a video for the San Juan School District. Mark Holman produced with Chris Terry directing and Chris Robson as DP. Also assisting the actors was Casting Director and Acting Coach, Sally Forcier.

In the scene here, the microphones will be digitally removed in post /editing for the final picture.

Our "Horizonless White" stage (with the built-in cove... or "Hard Cyc") has not been getting as much use as our GreenScreen stage, so it was nice to see the great pictures Chris Robson was getting for this production.

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"Doing Time" finished it's 3rd shooting day last week, with lots more to go for this full length feature directed by Joyce Glover and DP'd by me with our new Sony EX1 high definition camera.

"Doing Time" Second Day

2008-05-18T21:54:00.000-07:00

Shooting has begun on "Doing Time" as you can see at the right. Behind me are Boom Operator Swayne Cates and Production Assistant James Thornton. This is actually the 2nd day of shooting and it was 102 degrees by the time we wrapped for the day at 2pm. Of course we chose the hottest day ever (record breaker) in May to shoot a scene that is supposed to me in December! Things are going great with a great crew, superb cast, super preperation... and Joyce Glover (Writer-Producer-Director) is really power schmoozing. She's finding support for this project all over the halls of power... and people finding further funding for us. It really helps being on a shoestring to begin with...any infusion of funds seems like a windfall. But Joyce has a great script that may be opening doors because it seems to be coming at the right time in the right places... Timing is everything!

On another note: I've changed the blog perameters to allow anyone to post a comment. Before you had to be a registered user, but that wasn't made clear... so be nice and you can comment!

The Studio Center set to produce "Doing Time"

2008-04-19T00:24:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-11T16:36:00.000-07:00

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!

Sacramento Film Festival Workshop

2008-03-23T21:51:00.000-07:00

The Sacramento Film Festival ( www.sacramentofilmfestival.com ) begins soon...at the end of this month. In case you didn't know, the Festival does more than showcase movies. There are also many great workshops by movie people from far and wide. These are some very good deals for $20. One in particular coming up Thursday, April 3rd, I will be one of two panel members for "Film School 101-- Feature Films at Shorts Prices".
We're going to talk about making movies on the cheap...but they don't have to look cheap. I've made over 8 short movies in the past 5 years or so...most all award winners... and we didn't spend more than a couple hundred dollars on any of them. I've also shot a full length feature in the past few years... The budget there was maybe $10,000...and it looked darned good, if I do say so myself. That's related to what I'll be talking about. But wait...There's more!
I'm going to actually be giving the attendees some of my actual projected budgets for two or three new full length features The Studio Center will be producing. This is information I rarely share except with investors... I'll tell you how you can make a good looking movie for very little dollars. So see you at Film School 101 at 2:00 p.m Thursday April 3rd @ the 24th st Green Room.

We Made The Business Journals Top 25 List

2008-03-21T13:42:00.000-07:00

Take a look at today's (3-21-08) issue of the Sacramento Business Journal... We came in as the 8th largest video production company in town. I must admit I looked at the list with a bit of a chuckle... OK, outright laughter in many cases. I haven't seen so much fibbing since the last Bush speech! If you believe most of those numbers, I've got a slightly used bridge over the American River I can make you a real good deal on. Especially #1 KVIE Media... They put the numbers for the whole station in, not the dollar amount generated by KVIE Media. And oh yeah, KVIE Media employs 60 people... How about 1 or 2 is more like it. My only regret is that I didn't lie enough! The challenge The Business Journal had was trying to figure out some way to rank video production companies. They went to their only formula which is Gross Dollars & Employees. But I don't think you can rank video production companies realistically that way. But granted, another formula (like number & type of productions) would take way too much time for the paper to do. So I guess the message is: If I want to move up the list next year... Lie Bigger!

Chromakey over the Web

2008-03-20T22:28:00.000-07:00

Big trend these days (in case you didn't notice) is chomakey video over the web. Just in this week was Bob Murray and Tonya Rizzo from Trapeze,LTD. doing segments for a really cool bit for SureWest for a web presentation. Can't wait to see how the composite will look.
That's why we've recently purchased the new Sony EX1... because it gives a superb picture when doing web chromakeys. Fred Casanova, our ace editor, has perfected the chromakey process for the web... which is a mixture of technology, art, and voodoo. Unfortunately, it's not a "one button" process. We use different chromakey programs (FCP Keyers, After Effects, DV Matte Blast, Primatte, and Apple's Shake) for different camera framings and compositions since each has it's strengths and weaknesses. Maybe we can get Fred to talk about this... once we can get him to stop playing with the voodoo chicken bones.

How'd Ya Like That Spam?

2008-03-19T22:53:00.000-07:00

Yes, I did spam a bunch of you. But it was in the interest of getting you here once in awhile. It actually worked. I had the opportunity to be contacted by a bunch of you I haven't been in touch with for quite a while. That was great!

Even people like director Rusty Nelson, who is still living in LA, and recently directed a project with Corbin Bernsen. I hated to tell him that Corbin and I go way back (You can see my hair was darker in the photo on the left).

Corbin was at The Studio Center a few years back doing an industrial and he and I had lunch on the back dock dining al fresco.

So Rusty, be sure and send my hello's to ole Corbby for me will ya?

First In A Long Series...Hopefully!

2008-03-12T16:10:00.000-07:00

Well...Isn't this special! Frank's first blog. I guess we'll light a candle on the cake...or in a church...whatever! As I get better at this, I'll be posting my observations, questions, solutions...and of course, Opinions!... regarding the Video and Movie goings-on in the Sacramento Area.
As many of you know, I've been a video & film professional for nearly 40 years, and making a full time living at it for the past20 years here in Sacramento. The Studio Center will celebrate it's 11th anniversary this summer . Wow, does time fly when you're havin' fun!
So I hope you can check back often to find out "what the heck is he talking about now?"...