Monday, November 19, 2007
I'm Official!!! #2322
After a few months of living in limbo wondering where I stood in line to get my RED Camera I finally got an official notification. I am officially RESERVATION #2322. With the current RED schedule, I look to get my camera in mid April assuming the schedule doesn't shift again due to production issues. I can't wait!!!!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
REDCINE Review
It's been about 4 days since the RED team released REDCINE to the masses and I have been spending quite a bit of time with the application since. I must say, being a beta tester for quite a few different software companies such as E-Onsoftware Vue 5 & 6 Infinate and XStream 3D application, and many others, I have never seen a more stable version 1.0 Application. If you are familiar with popular compositing applications like Apple's Shake or Autodesk Combustion than REDCINE will feel just like home. If not, don't worry, it is also simple enough for the novice user to jump right in and start putting the app to work.
Although REDCINE acts as more of an intermediate stage between editing and finishing tool, it has quite a nice set of tools to perform nice, quick color grades, fast. However, that may be the only quick thing about it right now. First tip, have a fast, new MacPro or MacBook Pro with a qualified graphics card (the faster the better!). Second, be sure to use the proxy 1/2 RES or 1/4 RES settings to allow your R3d files to play in Realtime. Switching to full resolution will be almost worthless in attempts to play your footage. I will say, I have tried for 4 straight days to get the application to crash on me unsuccessful I might add. Also, keep in mind, you are working with 4K footage on hardware that hasn't fully caught up with the demands of that kind of Resolution nor do you probably need to work at that resolution unless you have a distribution deal for IMAX, so switch to a resolution you are going to work in, ie 1080p, 720p, 480p and you will see your rendering times and playback speeds increase dramatically.
There are some nice features in REDCINE like the ability to copy a look and load it into any other clip you like. Another nice feature is the timeline, although quite basic, it allows you to see how consistent your look is between cuts. Your Library allows you to move, copy, paste footage anywhere you like in the timeline with controls to view your "LUTS" in the thumnails provided. Nice touch!
Personally, I would like to see dual monitor support. RED claims that REDCINE will automatically default to the highest resolution monitor you have connected to your computer, but this is not desired in every scenario. I would personally like to have the controls running on one of my monitors with the final output display on the other which the user could toggle between if they like. There is no EDL conform tool which many were hoping for as well as other features like Quicktime Proxies that still require you run another app from RED called "REDALERT" until it is enabled in REDCINE, most likely coming soon. There are a few other issues and bugs but lets give em a break, it's only a 1.0 Beta and it's free!
All in all, REDCINE doesn't dissapoint! It acts like a high end tool surviving on your laptop instead of in a high end DI suite. My only real complaint is wondering how long it is going to take the hardware companies such as APPLE to catch up to the incredible Resolution RED is able to produce. Once that happens, look out!
Although REDCINE acts as more of an intermediate stage between editing and finishing tool, it has quite a nice set of tools to perform nice, quick color grades, fast. However, that may be the only quick thing about it right now. First tip, have a fast, new MacPro or MacBook Pro with a qualified graphics card (the faster the better!). Second, be sure to use the proxy 1/2 RES or 1/4 RES settings to allow your R3d files to play in Realtime. Switching to full resolution will be almost worthless in attempts to play your footage. I will say, I have tried for 4 straight days to get the application to crash on me unsuccessful I might add. Also, keep in mind, you are working with 4K footage on hardware that hasn't fully caught up with the demands of that kind of Resolution nor do you probably need to work at that resolution unless you have a distribution deal for IMAX, so switch to a resolution you are going to work in, ie 1080p, 720p, 480p and you will see your rendering times and playback speeds increase dramatically.
There are some nice features in REDCINE like the ability to copy a look and load it into any other clip you like. Another nice feature is the timeline, although quite basic, it allows you to see how consistent your look is between cuts. Your Library allows you to move, copy, paste footage anywhere you like in the timeline with controls to view your "LUTS" in the thumnails provided. Nice touch!
Personally, I would like to see dual monitor support. RED claims that REDCINE will automatically default to the highest resolution monitor you have connected to your computer, but this is not desired in every scenario. I would personally like to have the controls running on one of my monitors with the final output display on the other which the user could toggle between if they like. There is no EDL conform tool which many were hoping for as well as other features like Quicktime Proxies that still require you run another app from RED called "REDALERT" until it is enabled in REDCINE, most likely coming soon. There are a few other issues and bugs but lets give em a break, it's only a 1.0 Beta and it's free!
All in all, REDCINE doesn't dissapoint! It acts like a high end tool surviving on your laptop instead of in a high end DI suite. My only real complaint is wondering how long it is going to take the hardware companies such as APPLE to catch up to the incredible Resolution RED is able to produce. Once that happens, look out!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
REDCINE RELEASED!!!
Its finally here! REDCINE is alive and available for public download. The highly anticipated one light software from the RED team is functional and is being published with tutorials from the RED team. The tutorials allow you to jump right in and begin to play with REDCINE although, without native R3d files to test, the software is just about useless for the time being.
Here is the Link to the thread on www.reduser.net;
http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?t=5898
Check it out. If anyone has any R3d files they would be willing to allow others to use for test purposes please send me a personal email. I'm sure if enough people beg RED for them, they will magically make the files appear. In fact, I think i will start that notion right now:) Check it out and i will be posting my innitial thoughts soon, as well as posting the tutorials from RED on www.vuze.com.
Here is the Link to the thread on www.reduser.net;
http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?t=5898
Check it out. If anyone has any R3d files they would be willing to allow others to use for test purposes please send me a personal email. I'm sure if enough people beg RED for them, they will magically make the files appear. In fact, I think i will start that notion right now:) Check it out and i will be posting my innitial thoughts soon, as well as posting the tutorials from RED on www.vuze.com.
Top 5 Vuze Films
As you see, I am always looking for the next greatest thing out there to help spread the love for all talented Independent filmmakers. As a filmmaker myself, I understand the importance to get your work out there and be seen by others, especially with great sites like www.vuze.com to share your work. I have found and published quite a few short works out there and now its time to pick my top 5 favorites in order. This poll is for debate so please feel free to chime in and disagree, and who knows, if you pose a valid point, I will change the name of this post to Top 10 Vuze Films.
1. The Silent City - By Ruairi Robinson
This is by far my favorite film I posted to Vuze. The visuals are amazing and you could see this film on the big screen any day of the week and not question its integrity. It is very well done and quite complicated technically which screams production value all over the screen. Oh, and the story kicks ass too! Also, (and i'm not spreading rumors) but i heard that Ruairi Robinson is going to MAYBE be making his big screen debut with the a Live action Akira film. Here is the link to the article i read; http://www.movieweb.com/news/60/23960.php
Ruairi is also a RED reservation holder so congratulations to him and his accomplishments.
2. Batman Dead End - By Sandy Collora
What can I say? Just a kick ass fan film putting Batman up against Joker, Alien and Predator in one short film only 8 minutes long. If you are a fan of the Dark Knight books, and a Batman Fan you will love this film.
3. RVD2 - By Michael Scott and Ryan Wieber
These guys deserve the recognition they received for making a better lightsaber battle than in any of the real Star Wars films. What i really appreciate about this film is the attention to detail and how they used their success from RVD1 to generate enough income to get a professional soundtrack made for the sequal. Great fun and if you like Star Wars you will love this short film.
4. A Lonely Sky - By Nick Ryan
What i really enjoy about this film is the seamless integration of VIsual Effects to tell a dramatic story. Great overall storytelling and although I personally feel the acting could have been slightly more on point, the film works great. Check out the behind the scenes to see the making of this film.
5. Pyrats - By Yves Bigerel, Bruno Dequier, Ben Fiquet, Nicolas Gueroux, Jullen Le Rolland
Okay, this may be animated and very short running time but there is no doubt in my mind that the talent that created this film could be making the next disney/pixar film. Great framing, animation and concept design is what eventually ends up on screen. Check out all the making of videos individually to see how they created each character and the sets. Remember, this was an animation made by a group of talented artists at the Gobelins l'ecole de I'image animation school. Fantastic work!
So thats all folks, my top 5 picks for today! I'm sure some of you would beg to disagree and I encourage that whole heartedly. Who know's, your pick could end up here, if you can make a valid argument that is! Tommorrow, we will be talking RED!
1. The Silent City - By Ruairi Robinson
This is by far my favorite film I posted to Vuze. The visuals are amazing and you could see this film on the big screen any day of the week and not question its integrity. It is very well done and quite complicated technically which screams production value all over the screen. Oh, and the story kicks ass too! Also, (and i'm not spreading rumors) but i heard that Ruairi Robinson is going to MAYBE be making his big screen debut with the a Live action Akira film. Here is the link to the article i read; http://www.movieweb.com/news/60/23960.php
Ruairi is also a RED reservation holder so congratulations to him and his accomplishments.
2. Batman Dead End - By Sandy Collora
What can I say? Just a kick ass fan film putting Batman up against Joker, Alien and Predator in one short film only 8 minutes long. If you are a fan of the Dark Knight books, and a Batman Fan you will love this film.
3. RVD2 - By Michael Scott and Ryan Wieber
These guys deserve the recognition they received for making a better lightsaber battle than in any of the real Star Wars films. What i really appreciate about this film is the attention to detail and how they used their success from RVD1 to generate enough income to get a professional soundtrack made for the sequal. Great fun and if you like Star Wars you will love this short film.
4. A Lonely Sky - By Nick Ryan
What i really enjoy about this film is the seamless integration of VIsual Effects to tell a dramatic story. Great overall storytelling and although I personally feel the acting could have been slightly more on point, the film works great. Check out the behind the scenes to see the making of this film.
5. Pyrats - By Yves Bigerel, Bruno Dequier, Ben Fiquet, Nicolas Gueroux, Jullen Le Rolland
Okay, this may be animated and very short running time but there is no doubt in my mind that the talent that created this film could be making the next disney/pixar film. Great framing, animation and concept design is what eventually ends up on screen. Check out all the making of videos individually to see how they created each character and the sets. Remember, this was an animation made by a group of talented artists at the Gobelins l'ecole de I'image animation school. Fantastic work!
So thats all folks, my top 5 picks for today! I'm sure some of you would beg to disagree and I encourage that whole heartedly. Who know's, your pick could end up here, if you can make a valid argument that is! Tommorrow, we will be talking RED!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Batman Fans
Here is an awesome short film called Batman Dead End (you can get all the metadata by clicking the link below) This short just went over 100,000 downloads on www.vuze.com! This is one of my favorite fan films around and I'm glad to see the filmmakers doing so well with it. Check it out.
Tommorrow I will be doing a quick reveiw of my top 5 favorite films I have uploaded on www.vuze.com.
Tommorrow I will be doing a quick reveiw of my top 5 favorite films I have uploaded on www.vuze.com.
who is mikeburton?
I don't know about most of you, but I always told myself i would never have one of these and here i am, expressing my ideas and thoughts about the crazy things that enter in and out of my world on a daily basis. So, who is mikeburton? I don't think that could possibly be answered in just a few paragraphs but here goes. I'm just another one of those people working really hard to eventually be really lazy, who enjoys the finer things in life; my girlfriend Ginger, family, friends, my dog Ripley, two cats Milo and Max, and my passion for the arts, favorably, "The Movies."
You may have seen my name scattered about on the Wonderfully entertaining www.vuze.com where I spend a lot of time watching and uploading interesting independent films (if not, either go check me out or what the hell are you doing here?). Just like many others i am a movie buff! I started my film carreer in a wharehouse in Hayward CA at 6:00am in October of 1999. I had been working a meaningless wharehouse gig (meaningless to me at least) riding around in forklifts, wondering if I would ever find my "Calling." (Here is where it gets Dramatic!) It was quite cold, about 35 degrees in the wharehouse that particular morning. I left my forklift unattended, parked by a pallett of toilet paper as i went inside the office to get a nice warm cut of coffee. I remember feeling strange that morning and discontent with my life, job etc. It was then that i picked up the phone book, and saw the Academy of Art College busting off the page. (Cue the Light Bulb) Two days later, i took a tour of the school and the rest is history...
I have been working as an editor/director/producer for the last 7 years. I won't name drop, but i have worked with quite a few talented and professional artists and companies. I just recently put a reservation in for a RED camera (for those of you living on the moon, the RED is a new industry hype/kick ass camera to challenge all other digital and film rivals in its path - www.red.com). I have been following RED for quite some time (about 2 years since they announced at NAB 2006) and can't wait to get my very own to further develop my own projects and ideas. I will comment further about RED in dedicated articles in the near future.
Alright you say, cut the crap. So what can you expect from who is mikeburton? This blog will be dedicated to everything film, and music and mostly film and music I LIKE and my opinions on it from a VERY BIASED perspective of course:) What else did you expect? I will give you the scoop on "Whats Hot" on great sites like www.vuze.com and other interesting developments from our fine Dart Frog friends over at Azureus and how it relates to publishers and veiwers. I will cover RED in detail from now until my camera arrives in my greedy hands and my impressions of the camera. And, we will cover many other industry related news and topics of coarse from my travels and journeys along the way. So, who is mikeburton? Check back in once or twice a week and you will begin to find out!!! (Exclamation marks for dramatic purposes!!!)
You may have seen my name scattered about on the Wonderfully entertaining www.vuze.com where I spend a lot of time watching and uploading interesting independent films (if not, either go check me out or what the hell are you doing here?). Just like many others i am a movie buff! I started my film carreer in a wharehouse in Hayward CA at 6:00am in October of 1999. I had been working a meaningless wharehouse gig (meaningless to me at least) riding around in forklifts, wondering if I would ever find my "Calling." (Here is where it gets Dramatic!) It was quite cold, about 35 degrees in the wharehouse that particular morning. I left my forklift unattended, parked by a pallett of toilet paper as i went inside the office to get a nice warm cut of coffee. I remember feeling strange that morning and discontent with my life, job etc. It was then that i picked up the phone book, and saw the Academy of Art College busting off the page. (Cue the Light Bulb) Two days later, i took a tour of the school and the rest is history...
I have been working as an editor/director/producer for the last 7 years. I won't name drop, but i have worked with quite a few talented and professional artists and companies. I just recently put a reservation in for a RED camera (for those of you living on the moon, the RED is a new industry hype/kick ass camera to challenge all other digital and film rivals in its path - www.red.com). I have been following RED for quite some time (about 2 years since they announced at NAB 2006) and can't wait to get my very own to further develop my own projects and ideas. I will comment further about RED in dedicated articles in the near future.
Alright you say, cut the crap. So what can you expect from who is mikeburton? This blog will be dedicated to everything film, and music and mostly film and music I LIKE and my opinions on it from a VERY BIASED perspective of course:) What else did you expect? I will give you the scoop on "Whats Hot" on great sites like www.vuze.com and other interesting developments from our fine Dart Frog friends over at Azureus and how it relates to publishers and veiwers. I will cover RED in detail from now until my camera arrives in my greedy hands and my impressions of the camera. And, we will cover many other industry related news and topics of coarse from my travels and journeys along the way. So, who is mikeburton? Check back in once or twice a week and you will begin to find out!!! (Exclamation marks for dramatic purposes!!!)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)