Show Your Work 2007

[C.M. de la Vega]

I directed a music video for this unique parody artist, reminds me a lot of weird Al. Here's the clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_F42ygjLL4

[Jon Fairhurst]

Hi C. M.

I use Sonar 6 for sequencing MIDI. The key is good sample libs. I use GigaStudio 3 (http://tascamgiga.com) as the sampler with a wide variety of libraries, including VSL's Appassionata Strings (http://vsl.co.at) and Westgate Studios' Modular Series woodwinds and horns (http://westgatestudios.com). I've collected a wide range of percussion samples over the years, and many good samples come free with GigaStudio 3 Orchestra.

One of the critical components is the ambiance or reverb. I use GigaPulse's Medium Hall. It makes the difference between a Taiko hit sounding like a kid's drum and a giant war beater. I wrote a tutorial here: http://tascamgiga.com/gp/intro.html

I do all of the mixing and EQ in Vegas or ACID, and I master with Sonic Foundry 9's Izotope Mastering Bundle.

Our approach is very improvisational, so the writing is quick and dirty. When we do write, it's often unrealistic, given sets and props. Nathan adjusts on the fly.

We shot From Russia with ACTION in four relatively short days. It will end up being seven webisodes and a trailer. Editing is difficult to estimate. Some weeks Nathan cranks it out fast, other weeks he really has to fight it - and sometimes he gets a bit nuts with the effects. Webisode 2 with the Bond theme was a real time eater!

I usually compose/mix/master a webisode in a weekend. Some weeks go quickly, mainly when there's little music, or when I get lazy. Other weeks, like this fight webisode, are pretty intense.

The real challenge is promotion. (And if it does take off, paying for hosting.) AskaNinja.com gets something like 500,000 views a week, and they sold a seven figure advertising deal. I'd love to know what steps they took to make that happen.

But, like you said, it's really about having fun. And we definitely know how to do that!

[Michael Rapadas]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=59z55AT5snA

I loosely scripted this and finally spent a good amount of time in preproduction!! Please comment and let me know how i've done! Thanks

[Chris Harris]

Dude, that's sweet, I like it! As usual with your pieces, everything's well done. The idea, camera work, editing, music, and the performances. Good luck in that competition!

[Mike Peter Reed]

it's not too shabby on production values but the concept is lost on me. it won't be in my mind when I pick up the HP sauce .....

[Alex Amira]

Nice...I think you need some dramatic music for the "action scenes"...

[C.M. de la Vega]

Jon,

Thanks 4 sharing the info. I've dabbled a little into scoring, not much - used Fruity Loops to make simple arrangements. I'm going 2 read the tutorial.

Registering on your site keeps you posted when the new episodes come out?

The t-shirt bullet proof teaser was off the wall and good luck with promotion.

- Carlos

[C.M. de la Vega]

I thought it was good but I think it needs a better VO at the end and play around with your EQ settings to get that 2-way radio sound when the Marines are communicating.

[Mike Horrigan]

Please check out the teaser for my new short film.

FEAR TEASER

It is very near completion. I plan on entering it into a local film festival.

Let me know what you think.

Cheers,

Mike

[Jon Fairhurst]

Originally Posted by C.M. de la Vega

Registering on your site keeps you posted when the new episodes come out?

Hi Carlos,

We release new material every week on Mondays at noon, PST. We have yet to send out any e-mail to registered people, but we might if there's a big announcement, or site redesign. By registering you can post comments on the site.

If you want to get regular notifications, we have an RSS feed. http://colonelcrush.com/rss

I really like RSS for sites that post new articles only a few times a week. I don't have to bother checking for updates, and I get notified of new material right away.

All the best...

[Jason Sovey]

Good camera work, I like the use of CUs and ECUs to establish mood. The overhead shot in the closet was a nice touch. In B&W, I would bring the lighting down to establish a darker film-noir look.

As far as the content is concerned, I think the pace was a bit monotonous for the length and the ending. The build-up could have worked in the context of a larger piece. As it is, it seemed to take on a comedic air. I was expecting a pie-in-the-face ending, perhaps in slo-mo. "I'll do it slow. It's what she deserves."

But being that it's only your second short, I think it's really good. You definitely have a good base from which to expand upon.

[Steven Houser]

Hey guys, I need help to get best quality for utube..
I have 720p 24p clip what should I compress to?
I dont like the way it looks on utube here is a link!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMRzqrVdvdc

Better Quality Link Below you will have to copy the whole link for some reason the links I make are become text at the end!

ftp://u44195193:7DuetSMB@stevenhouser.com/Hienz Commercial.wmv

[Steven Houser]

I guess I should do a Mpeg2 at 23.9 720x480

[Steven Houser]

What format should I upload to utube?

This would be very help full!!

Thx!

I have 720p 24p footage and using V7 to edit and render!

[Dana Acciavatti]

Well, folks...Here is my entry for the HEINZ TOP THIS CONTEST.
Check it out. Crits and comments welcome.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhxCokAONXw