Railsback - xXx

Kevin Railsback · February 18th, 2009, 05:42 AM

Well, I was going to do a longer version of my film "The River" following life on the river for a year. During the Summer of '08 we had a 500 year flood.

But then I had a chance to go to South Africa to shake out Panasonic's new HPX-300.

Even though it was a whirlwind trip, I fell in love with the place and its people.

So, I hated to not be able to use any of that footage so I cobbled up a quick idea. It may go down in flames faster than the Hindenburg but hey it's a challenge right? :)

The Pangaea theory is one that states that all present continents were once together and collectively known as a 'supercontinent' called a Pangaea. The word 'Pangaea' means 'all lands' in Greek, accurately defining the way the continents were 200 millions years ago before it split up.

Over time the continents drifted apart on continental plates "floating" on top of the Earth's mantle. Some, like the African continent stayed around the equator where it experienced little change. Because of this, Africa enjoys an incredible diversity as flora and fauna have been given time to evolve and specialize.

North America on the other hand, drifted North ( duh ) toward the pole where it was shaped and reshaped.

Iowa for example was once covered by a shallow sea and then scarred by glaciers during the ice ages which scoured the land.

In geological terms, the face of Iowa is fairly new compared to an area like Africa.

This film will examine the changes that effected Iowa and prevented the diversity we see so much in Africa.

Or, it may not. Who knows. Like I said, I'm flying by the seat of my pants on this one. So, I'll probably be looking for a lot of help.

So here's some footage. I just set it to a temp track to make it a little easier to take.

http://www.silverphoenixllc.com/Africa2.mov

Chris Swanberg · February 18th, 2009, 06:01 PM

As usual, beautiful images Kevin.

In doing research for my film, I discovered that Pangea was only the postulated last of other earlier super continents... and for most purposes 250 million years takes one back far enough... my problem was trying to recreate the land mass 2.5 Billion years ago.

Interesting and bold concept you have in mind. I am sure the final film will be breathtaking in its beauty.

Chris Swanberg

Mat Thompson · February 18th, 2009, 06:32 PM

Stunning stuff and what a diversity indeed.

I give up already!

Steve Siegel · February 18th, 2009, 09:40 PM

I'd like to comment, but I'm speechless. Would you please stop raising the bar!

Kevin Railsback · February 18th, 2009, 10:52 PM

Raising the bar? Are you kidding? I limbo'd underneath it compared to what other people are doing.

Had to go film a professional dance team tonight or I would have commented on the other threads.

Will try to do that later this week.

Bryce Comer · February 18th, 2009, 10:52 PM

HI Kevin,
Well what more can i add. I guess you were hoping to get some feedback on your idea, well i love it. Your idea coupled with shots like those is a winner in my book, & yours is definately one i am eagerly awaiting!
Bryce

Kevin Railsback · February 18th, 2009, 11:04 PM

Thanks Bryce. Still trying to figure it all out. Just thought it was a shame not to use the Africa footage but the rest of my shooting will be here in Iowa so what they heck can I do to combine both places? :)

Per Johan Naesje · February 19th, 2009, 01:23 AM

Kevin, wow what can I say! As always stunning cinematography from your hand!

I like your idea very much, very exciting. Can't wait to see how you progress on this one

Thanks for sharing Kevin!

Catherine Russell · February 19th, 2009, 12:21 PM

Hi Kevin:

Oh my, this is so inspiring! Your filming and subjects are mind-blowing. Now, your continental drift idea is interesting BUT something to consider... it might be really difficult to show differences between Africa and Iowa purely on the locations of the continents upon which they sit. So much less of Iowa is in a natural state because of agriculture, development etc. than Africa. It would be tough to single one thing out from the other and make a compelling argument. Do you think? I'm just spouting off my first impressions.

On the other hand..... you could easily captivate me for 20+ minutes strictly on Africa itself. You are a master at what you do Kevin! Bring us your own version of "Out of Africa" and inspire us all!

Cat

Finn-Erik Faale · February 19th, 2009, 03:54 PM

I think your idea for the film is very good. You have much amazing material already.
The short form on “The River” was near perfect. I think it would be difficult to compete with your own masterpiece..

Finn-Erik

Dale Guthormsen · February 19th, 2009, 05:46 PM

Kevin,

Well it has all been said already!!! WOW.

Fantastic clips!!! Where you going from there??

Can't wait for the whole show!!

Geir Inge · February 20th, 2009, 06:50 AM

Hi Kevin and welcome back from the African wilderness.
Well I can see your dilemma in how you can use these great Africa clips in your long form film about the river. Your skills are that great that I think you will work it out. Both the way you handle the camera and your history making. Great stuff :)

Best of luck.
Geir Inge

Bob Safay · February 21st, 2009, 06:17 AM

Magnificent footage. And the music so perfect.

Steve Siegel · February 21st, 2009, 08:55 AM

Kevin,
When I commented about raising the bar, this is what I meant. I have been using your UWOL submissions as a sort of on-line videography course. I thought I had mastered a few of your techniques, but this one puts a bunch more on the table, especially in the area of color and contrast management.
Your comparison of species diversity in Africa and Iowa is a wonderful idea.
The Smokey Mountains, also spared the ravages of Ice Ages, has more tree species than all of northern Europe. Another angle you might be interested in is the likeness of certain habitat-sharing species. Did you get any footage of Longclaws over there? Sure look like Meadowlarks.

Longclaw - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Marj Atkins · February 23rd, 2009, 10:04 AM

O wow - that looks very familiar! Just love it. You certainly managed to capture a wide diversity of species and some interesting behaviour/action shots there Kevin. Your slow motion always adds a fascinating aspect to your images and watching your elephant glide through the bush is quite something!

I really had to smile when I saw this movie. I often think to myself when out filming - how would this person from Uwol handle this or how would that person approach this one - just to keep me on my toes. It s actually quite difficult to imagine some of you filming African wildlife but now I have first-hand evidence of how you would do things! Stunning stuff. Anyway you may be quite amused to know that I came across a river scene in Kruger a few weeks back that reminded me of you and I said to Tom - this is going to be a Kevin scene. I took pictures of the scene at every shutter speed/ aperture setting I could - just for fun. I even took some shots using 50i so I could slow it down when I eventually get AE!! Still have to edit my tapes but look forward to seeing the results. I certainly won’t have the sharp images you have though.

That is certainly some camera you had the opportunity to test out. The HD images are razor sharp the colours are beautiful. My only criticism, having lived here all my life and being very familiar with the bush, is the saturation is a tad too exaggerated for Africa - one or two of the images have an almost artificial feel that doesn’t quite sit right with me - and I am enamoured of saturated colours myself. I would tone some of it down a little - although not too much.

Your plan sounds very interesting and I really look forward to seeing the outcome - please keep that fire extinguisher at hand at all times though - we certainly don’t want to see this one going up in flames!!!!.

February 18th, 2009, 05:42 AM	#1
Kevin Railsback Trustee Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa Posts: 1,544	Railsback - xXx - UWOL Long Form Well, I was going to do a longer version of my film "The River" following life on the river for a year. During the Summer of '08 we had a 500 year flood. But then I had a chance to go to South Africa to shake out Panasonic's new HPX-300. Even though it was a whirlwind trip, I fell in love with the place and its people. So, I hated to not be able to use any of that footage so I cobbled up a quick idea. It may go down in flames faster than the Hindenburg but hey it's a challenge right? :) The Pangaea theory is one that states that all present continents were once together and collectively known as a 'supercontinent' called a Pangaea. The word 'Pangaea' means 'all lands' in Greek, accurately defining the way the continents were 200 millions years ago before it split up. Over time the continents drifted apart on continental plates "floating" on top of the Earth's mantle. Some, like the African continent stayed around the equator where it experienced little change. Because of this, Africa enjoys an incredible diversity as flora and fauna have been given time to evolve and specialize. North America on the other hand, drifted North ( duh ) toward the pole where it was shaped and reshaped. Iowa for example was once covered by a shallow sea and then scarred by glaciers during the ice ages which scoured the land. In geological terms, the face of Iowa is fairly new compared to an area like Africa. This film will examine the changes that effected Iowa and prevented the diversity we see so much in Africa. Or, it may not. Who knows. Like I said, I'm flying by the seat of my pants on this one. So, I'll probably be looking for a lot of help. So here's some footage. I just set it to a temp track to make it a little easier to take. http://www.silverphoenixllc.com/Africa2.mov __________________ --==Kevin==-- http:naturephotostudios.com.com

February 18th, 2009, 10:52 PM	#5
Kevin Railsback Trustee Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa Posts: 1,544	Raising the bar? Are you kidding? I limbo'd underneath it compared to what other people are doing. Had to go film a professional dance team tonight or I would have commented on the other threads. Will try to do that later this week. __________________ --==Kevin==-- http:naturephotostudios.com.com

February 18th, 2009, 10:52 PM	#6
Bryce Comer Trustee Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Rossland, British Columbia Posts: 1,024	HI Kevin, Well what more can i add. I guess you were hoping to get some feedback on your idea, well i love it. Your idea coupled with shots like those is a winner in my book, & yours is definately one i am eagerly awaiting! Bryce __________________ There's never enough hours in the day!

February 18th, 2009, 11:04 PM	#7
Kevin Railsback Trustee Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa Posts: 1,544	Thanks Bryce. Still trying to figure it all out. Just thought it was a shame not to use the Africa footage but the rest of my shooting will be here in Iowa so what they heck can I do to combine both places? :) __________________ --==Kevin==-- http:naturephotostudios.com.com

February 19th, 2009, 01:23 AM	#8
Per Johan Naesje Trustee Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Akershus, Norway Posts: 1,413	Kevin, wow what can I say! As always stunning cinematography from your hand! I like your idea very much, very exciting. Can't wait to see how you progress on this one Thanks for sharing Kevin! __________________ - Per Johan

February 18th, 2009, 06:01 PM	#2
Chris Swanberg Major Player Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 904	As usual, beautiful images Kevin. In doing research for my film, I discovered that Pangea was only the postulated last of other earlier super continents... and for most purposes 250 million years takes one back far enough... my problem was trying to recreate the land mass 2.5 Billion years ago. Interesting and bold concept you have in mind. I am sure the final film will be breathtaking in its beauty. Chris Swanberg

February 18th, 2009, 06:32 PM	#3
Mat Thompson Trustee Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Kent UK Posts: 1,397	Stunning stuff and what a diversity indeed. I give up already!

February 18th, 2009, 09:40 PM	#4
Steve Siegel Major Player Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA Posts: 839	I'd like to comment, but I'm speechless. Would you please stop raising the bar!

February 19th, 2009, 12:21 PM	#9
Catherine Russell Trustee Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Lyons, Colorado Posts: 1,224	Hi Kevin: Oh my, this is so inspiring! Your filming and subjects are mind-blowing. Now, your continental drift idea is interesting BUT something to consider... it might be really difficult to show differences between Africa and Iowa purely on the locations of the continents upon which they sit. So much less of Iowa is in a natural state because of agriculture, development etc. than Africa. It would be tough to single one thing out from the other and make a compelling argument. Do you think? I'm just spouting off my first impressions. On the other hand..... you could easily captivate me for 20+ minutes strictly on Africa itself. You are a master at what you do Kevin! Bring us your own version of "Out of Africa" and inspire us all! Cat

February 19th, 2009, 03:54 PM	#10
Finn-Erik Faale Major Player Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Porsgrunn Norway Posts: 280	I think your idea for the film is very good. You have much amazing material already. The short form on “The River” was near perfect. I think it would be difficult to compete with your own masterpiece.. Finn-Erik

February 19th, 2009, 05:46 PM	#11
Dale Guthormsen Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 3,048	Kevin, Well it has all been said already!!! WOW. Fantastic clips!!! Where you going from there?? Can't wait for the whole show!! __________________ DATS ALL FOLKS Dale W. Guthormsen

February 20th, 2009, 06:50 AM	#12
Geir Inge Trustee Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Larsnes, Norway Posts: 1,342	Hi Kevin and welcome back from the African wilderness. Well I can see your dilemma in how you can use these great Africa clips in your long form film about the river. Your skills are that great that I think you will work it out. Both the way you handle the camera and your history making. Great stuff :) Best of luck. Geir Inge __________________ Geir Inge B. Brekke Visit me at: https://vimeo.com/gibbfilm

February 21st, 2009, 06:17 AM	#13
Bob Safay Trustee Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 1,557	Magnificent footage. And the music so perfect.

February 21st, 2009, 08:55 AM	#14
Steve Siegel Major Player Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA Posts: 839	Kevin, When I commented about raising the bar, this is what I meant. I have been using your UWOL submissions as a sort of on-line videography course. I thought I had mastered a few of your techniques, but this one puts a bunch more on the table, especially in the area of color and contrast management. Your comparison of species diversity in Africa and Iowa is a wonderful idea. The Smokey Mountains, also spared the ravages of Ice Ages, has more tree species than all of northern Europe. Another angle you might be interested in is the likeness of certain habitat-sharing species. Did you get any footage of Longclaws over there? Sure look like Meadowlarks. Longclaw - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

February 23rd, 2009, 10:04 AM	#15
Marj Atkins Major Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: Johannesburg South Africa Posts: 768	O wow - that looks very familiar! Just love it. You certainly managed to capture a wide diversity of species and some interesting behaviour/action shots there Kevin. Your slow motion always adds a fascinating aspect to your images and watching your elephant glide through the bush is quite something! I really had to smile when I saw this movie. I often think to myself when out filming - how would this person from Uwol handle this or how would that person approach this one - just to keep me on my toes. It s actually quite difficult to imagine some of you filming African wildlife but now I have first-hand evidence of how you would do things! Stunning stuff. Anyway you may be quite amused to know that I came across a river scene in Kruger a few weeks back that reminded me of you and I said to Tom - this is going to be a Kevin scene. I took pictures of the scene at every shutter speed/ aperture setting I could - just for fun. I even took some shots using 50i so I could slow it down when I eventually get AE!! Still have to edit my tapes but look forward to seeing the results. I certainly won’t have the sharp images you have though. That is certainly some camera you had the opportunity to test out. The HD images are razor sharp the colours are beautiful. My only criticism, having lived here all my life and being very familiar with the bush, is the saturation is a tad too exaggerated for Africa - one or two of the images have an almost artificial feel that doesn’t quite sit right with me - and I am enamoured of saturated colours myself. I would tone some of it down a little - although not too much. Your plan sounds very interesting and I really look forward to seeing the outcome - please keep that fire extinguisher at hand at all times though - we certainly don’t want to see this one going up in flames!!!!.