Saturday, December 11, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Birns and Sawyer... A Bunch of bullshit
Birns and Sawyer Owes me over $4000 in loss of income.
One of my cameras was STOLEN while under their care as a subrented Item from Sim Video in Hollywood.
I have received financial compensation for the loss of my camera - however I have not received compensation for the over 8 weeks of lost rental that I missed since the camera was stolen and not replaced.
This is an injustice - especially since I worked on several jobs where Birns and Sawyers' Own cameras were rented on said jobs.
One of my cameras was STOLEN while under their care as a subrented Item from Sim Video in Hollywood.
I have received financial compensation for the loss of my camera - however I have not received compensation for the over 8 weeks of lost rental that I missed since the camera was stolen and not replaced.
This is an injustice - especially since I worked on several jobs where Birns and Sawyers' Own cameras were rented on said jobs.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
HDSLR's and the State of the Industry
If there is anyone out there who still reads this - you may be wondering why there has been nothing really new posted here in a LONG LONG time.
Well - in short that's because almost nothing new has happened in the state of Ultra Low Budget Digital Cinema.
WAIT WAIT WAIT you say - "Well they shot an episode of House on the 5D!" and "Shane Hurlbut gave a presentation!" and The GH-1 Firmware hack came out.
You may be right - all these things did happen. But Guess what? None of that is really news. It's what I call Hype. A Big FAT PHONY.
Here's the things I care about when it comes to making working with cameras:
1. Image Quality (the ability to tell story through images that speak of my mind and to my mind/eye)
2. Functionality - ease of operating conditions.
3. Ability to make a living shooting commercials and films.
Canon hasn't done a SINGLE thing to address number 1.
They decided it was okay to address number two with a firmware update for their flagship selling HDSLR camera the 5D2, but ignored the 7D despite the FACT that there is no technical obstruction to improving operability (i'm talking manual audio)
They've completely disrespected number 3 by releasing camera after camera that offer INCREMENTAL updates to parts one and two. This is why at this stage in the game:
I'VE COMPLETELY GIVEN UP SHOOTING ON CANON HDSLR'S UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY.
That's right. I've gone ROGUE...I mean ROUGE...I mean RED.
You heard me. I'm a Red FanBoy now. Because, despite all of the Smoke, mirrors, "delays", what have you - Red actually makes a camera that does everything I need NOW, and it does it SPECTACULARLY.
The only people who are worried about Scarlet are people who can't afford a Red One MX. And I've learned that if you can't afford the right tools, then you Rent them when you can make a profit with them.
Don't get me wrong -you can make some pretty pictures with an HDSLR, you can teach yourself cinematography, and you can even get paid if you're smart. BUT - I'm not willing to give everyone under the sun my Canon Camera for Free - because chances are if they aren't going to pay for a camera rental - they sure don't want to pay for my skills. Look at Craigslist - even the quality of Craigslist Jobs has gone down the toilet.
So - what does the future hold for me?
1. Shooting more with my Red MX.
2. Developing a low cost HD wireless transmitter system.
3. Testing a wide variety of lenses, and other accessories
4. Hopefully shooting with prototype GH-2, and AF-100 cameras.
5. Shooting with Epic
I can't hope to change Canon's mind about anything. They are so full of themselves that they put on a show in New York to try and illustrate that there is no Contender to their imaging equipment sales thrown. While they may have sold more units their products, and service, as well as attitude have UTTERLY failed to meet my criteria for a company that I knowingly and willingly support.
And - if you thought Canon was bad - look at Sony.
They are so witty they actually called their new HDSLR the A55 (Looks like ASS!!!) appropriate naming convention considering they made the same GIGANTIC BLUNDER that Canon made TWO AND A HALF YEARS AGO WHEN THEY RELEASED THE 5DII. Great work guys - no one needs manual controls to achieve creativity. Just give me a lobotomy while you're at it.
Well - in short that's because almost nothing new has happened in the state of Ultra Low Budget Digital Cinema.
WAIT WAIT WAIT you say - "Well they shot an episode of House on the 5D!" and "Shane Hurlbut gave a presentation!" and The GH-1 Firmware hack came out.
You may be right - all these things did happen. But Guess what? None of that is really news. It's what I call Hype. A Big FAT PHONY.
Here's the things I care about when it comes to making working with cameras:
1. Image Quality (the ability to tell story through images that speak of my mind and to my mind/eye)
2. Functionality - ease of operating conditions.
3. Ability to make a living shooting commercials and films.
Canon hasn't done a SINGLE thing to address number 1.
They decided it was okay to address number two with a firmware update for their flagship selling HDSLR camera the 5D2, but ignored the 7D despite the FACT that there is no technical obstruction to improving operability (i'm talking manual audio)
They've completely disrespected number 3 by releasing camera after camera that offer INCREMENTAL updates to parts one and two. This is why at this stage in the game:
I'VE COMPLETELY GIVEN UP SHOOTING ON CANON HDSLR'S UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY.
That's right. I've gone ROGUE...I mean ROUGE...I mean RED.
You heard me. I'm a Red FanBoy now. Because, despite all of the Smoke, mirrors, "delays", what have you - Red actually makes a camera that does everything I need NOW, and it does it SPECTACULARLY.
The only people who are worried about Scarlet are people who can't afford a Red One MX. And I've learned that if you can't afford the right tools, then you Rent them when you can make a profit with them.
Don't get me wrong -you can make some pretty pictures with an HDSLR, you can teach yourself cinematography, and you can even get paid if you're smart. BUT - I'm not willing to give everyone under the sun my Canon Camera for Free - because chances are if they aren't going to pay for a camera rental - they sure don't want to pay for my skills. Look at Craigslist - even the quality of Craigslist Jobs has gone down the toilet.
So - what does the future hold for me?
1. Shooting more with my Red MX.
2. Developing a low cost HD wireless transmitter system.
3. Testing a wide variety of lenses, and other accessories
4. Hopefully shooting with prototype GH-2, and AF-100 cameras.
5. Shooting with Epic
I can't hope to change Canon's mind about anything. They are so full of themselves that they put on a show in New York to try and illustrate that there is no Contender to their imaging equipment sales thrown. While they may have sold more units their products, and service, as well as attitude have UTTERLY failed to meet my criteria for a company that I knowingly and willingly support.
And - if you thought Canon was bad - look at Sony.
They are so witty they actually called their new HDSLR the A55 (Looks like ASS!!!) appropriate naming convention considering they made the same GIGANTIC BLUNDER that Canon made TWO AND A HALF YEARS AGO WHEN THEY RELEASED THE 5DII. Great work guys - no one needs manual controls to achieve creativity. Just give me a lobotomy while you're at it.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Lomo Lenses for Sale
Set of 4 for $2500 + shipping. PL mounted Lomo Lenses
22mm T2.5
28mm T2.3
50mm T2.4
75mm T3
Don't buy a Canon Camera this Week.
If you're thinking of buying a camera this week or next week...
DON'T DO IT.
You'll thank me later.
DON'T DO IT.
You'll thank me later.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
7DPL AT Sim Video Hot Rod Cameras PL7D
My HotRod Cameras PL7D is now available for rent through Sim Video in Hollywood, CA and also WORLDWIDE!
SIM VIDEO
SIM VIDEO
Thursday, April 29, 2010
HotRod Cameras 7DPL - Renting now. For Rent. Consigned at DFS
So, you want to RENT a HotRod Cameras 7DPL or PL7D? (same thing people call it differently)
Well, you are looking at the right blog.
Get in touch with Digital Film Studios Los Angeles
PL7D body
2 batteries
Charger
Case.
Baseplate (15mm LWS Offset)
2x12" 15mm Rods
DFS also offers a full compliment of PL mounted Lenses,accessories, and other Camera Systems like Red or 5DII to make your shoot run smoothe like butter down an australian toaster biscuit.
DIGITAL FILM STUDIOS LA
My website:
www.DanKanes.com
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Teddy Boy Web Commercial
Teddy Boy Web Commercial I shot a few weeks ago just posted up. Fun stuff. Shot with Contax Zeiss 35mm f1.4 on a 7D.
Enjoyee
http://www.vimeo.com/9693178
Enjoyee
http://www.vimeo.com/9693178
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Indie Slate Magazine and The World's First DSLR Feature
A year after the wrap of principle photography on "The Louisiana Conversation," the world's first feature length film shot entirely with an HD DSLR camera, Robert Render Harrison of Indie Slate Magazine ran an article on whether DSLR's are usable in production or just a Fad. I think he answered the question with a Resounding yes, and we can see that these tools of our trade are getting better with every iteration.
Ultimately this is a demonstration of principle. It's not about the latest cool gizmo, or using the most or least expensive tool for the job - it's about recognizing and adapting the strengths of one technology and using them for a different application.
So, what's different at the beginning of 2010 than at the end of 2008? In the U.S. there seems to be a MILD economic recovery but so many of us (young professionals) are still struggling just to get our bills paid and keep food on our plates. My response to this is, do something for yourself. Take some time each week to focus on doing what it is that you ASPIRE to achieve or actually WANT to do - there are plenty of people who will want you to stay in your position as an underling , and when they find out you are actually doing something progressive they might not even call on you for positions you once filled.
Forget about these people.
They are ballast. They want you to keep doing things their way, and won't want you to be happy because they aren't happy.
This isn't to say leave responsibility for your dreams - it's just too easy to get caught up in the grind of a 5 day, 60-80 hour work schedule in our industry and forget to aspire.
With that in mind, have a look at this article. And mad props to my boys Adam Duffy and Beau Lambert who helped make the Louisiana Conversation shoot not only possible, but pleasurable.
Ultimately this is a demonstration of principle. It's not about the latest cool gizmo, or using the most or least expensive tool for the job - it's about recognizing and adapting the strengths of one technology and using them for a different application.
So, what's different at the beginning of 2010 than at the end of 2008? In the U.S. there seems to be a MILD economic recovery but so many of us (young professionals) are still struggling just to get our bills paid and keep food on our plates. My response to this is, do something for yourself. Take some time each week to focus on doing what it is that you ASPIRE to achieve or actually WANT to do - there are plenty of people who will want you to stay in your position as an underling , and when they find out you are actually doing something progressive they might not even call on you for positions you once filled.
Forget about these people.
They are ballast. They want you to keep doing things their way, and won't want you to be happy because they aren't happy.
This isn't to say leave responsibility for your dreams - it's just too easy to get caught up in the grind of a 5 day, 60-80 hour work schedule in our industry and forget to aspire.
With that in mind, have a look at this article. And mad props to my boys Adam Duffy and Beau Lambert who helped make the Louisiana Conversation shoot not only possible, but pleasurable.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
The Use of Cinema Lenses on 7D
Just wanted to showcase some excellent work done by a fellow cinematographer using proper Cinema Prime Lenses on a 7D body...
Congratulations Adam Habib on "The Cost"
Adam Habib Cinematographer "The Cost"
we should be seeing a lot more work done with Cinema Lenses on the 7D and other canon HDSLRs in the coming months thanks to Hotrod Cameras
Congratulations Adam Habib on "The Cost"
Adam Habib Cinematographer "The Cost"
we should be seeing a lot more work done with Cinema Lenses on the 7D and other canon HDSLRs in the coming months thanks to Hotrod Cameras
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Big Podcast on Things I didn't Learn in Film School!
I was interviewed for a podcast on making films with DSLR cameras. Have a listen here.
I call Out SmallHD, Tim Smith from Canon, Ilya Friedman and Hotrod Cameras and more.
Hats off!
http://filmsnobbery.com/2010/01/31/things-i-didnt-learn-in-film-school-episode-9/
I call Out SmallHD, Tim Smith from Canon, Ilya Friedman and Hotrod Cameras and more.
Hats off!
http://filmsnobbery.com/2010/01/31/things-i-didnt-learn-in-film-school-episode-9/
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