Production Apprentice

iTC Calc – Time Code Calculator for iPhone

John DeMaio — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:09:33 +0000

I’m working on a 13 episode series right now and I need to make sure that each show fits a definite format. By format, I’m referring to the show’s outline or structure. Most shows follow a specific format so that the broadcasters (television stations and cable networks) know when to insert commercials. [...]

iPhone 4 plus Canon SLR = Possibly Too Much of a Good Thing

Joe Dorsey — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 00:53:50 +0000

It’s like eating Carvel ice cream and finding a $100 bill in the couch. It’s like meeting a beautiful girl on the subway and getting a new job. It’s all of these things plus a Canon SLR and an iPhone. But, like all good things, it can be a bit too much sometimes. iPhone 4 inside [...]

Canon’s latest sensor creation is just plain crazy big

Joe Dorsey — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:10:29 +0000

It was only a matter of time before someone dreamed up a camera sensor large enough to serve pizza on. http://gizmodo.com/5628661/canons-ungodlynormous-image-sensor-sees-london-france-and-underpants-in-the-dark

The truth about video gain and how to use it properly

John DeMaio — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:33:59 +0000

A simple explanation on the use (or misuse) of gain for exposing a shot.

Redrock goes Nano with their new line of affordable DSLR thingofabobs

Joe Dorsey — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:41:16 +0000

Redrock Micro, the makers of many fine DSLR rigs and accessories, has come out with 7 new thingies and 5 new what-zits. The best part about their new thingies and what-zits? They’re cheaper. Under $495 for most configurations, says Redrock. This is a good thing for the aspiring DSLR filmmaker who desperately wants a better [...]

10 things everyone should have in their camera kit/car trunk right this instant

Joe Dorsey — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:27:20 +0000

I’m an organized person. Some people think I have OCD. I think I’m prepared. The plain fact is, that if you organize your shooting kit ahead of time, you won’t have that panicked Radio Shack run-of-shame we’ve all had to do before. So, here’s 10 things you need in your video camera bag. 1. Spare Battery [...]

The Sony Alpha A580 and A560 DSLRs – Looking good in 1080i

Joe Dorsey — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:56:04 +0000

When we think DSLR videography our minds always go directly to Canon. Nikon might make some headway with their 3100, but Sony’s Alpha line is definitely a distant 3rd or 4th if you throw in Samsung and Panny. Sony hopes to fix that with their latest creations, the A580 and A560. Only there seems to [...]

Bring It On! “Hissy Audio” 7D vs. “TMZ” Barbie | A death match

Joe Dorsey — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:01:59 +0000

Oh, it's already been broughtin'!!!

Documenting your own survival: Les “Survivorman” Stroud talks about staying alive and getting the shot

Joe Dorsey — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 16:19:45 +0000

You may have heard of Les Stroud. He hosted the show Survivorman, where Les was the director, shooter, audio guy, sherpa and talent. Not ’cause he’s an egomaniac, but because he was literally the only person left to survive for 7 days on some “god forsaken” part of the planet. The challenges of shooting in [...]

Kerry Sanders – Correspondent, NBC News

John DeMaio — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 18:14:08 +0000

Kerry Sanders talks about what it takes to make it in the world of television news. Great tips for anyone interested in television journalism or news production.