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SMS PRODUCTIONS, INC.
&
National Academy of the Moving Image
SMS Newsletter
Online Issue #7
October 7, 1999
With summer gone and everyone back into the swing of things, certain items have definitely taken an upward swing. KATA Equipment Bags grabbed hold of the marketplace. Schools and production companies have been really sold on the KATA cases. Additionally, with video cameras decked out to look like film and videographers hoping for a film look, filter sales have skyrocketed.
TIFFEN DFX Filters
Not new to the industry, yet not widely known around town are the Diffusion/FX Gold and Diffusion/FX Black filters. Used on the movie Wild Wild West, Director of Photography Michael Ballhaus was among the first DP's in the world to test and use the Diffusion/FX Gold and Diffusion/FX Black filters. "I like how subtle the filters are. Even the densest filter is a light effect. And the greatest thing is that they don't flare light, even in the highest densities. I really like what they did to the flesh tones of the actors." That is exactly what the new Diffusion/FX filters are designed to do . . . achieve optimum diffusion without the telltale flare on the highlight areas of the image. They deliver all the benefits of a diffuser without the look of a diffused image. They are available in Black or, if a warmer look is desired, Gold and come in a variety of grades.
In stock at the moment:
Series 9 Gold Diff FX ½, 1, 2, 3
Black Diff FX ½, 1, 2, 34X5.650 Black Diff FX ½, 1
Gold Diff FX ½, 1SMS is a stocking dealer for Tiffen filters.
The Art of Styling Food by Donna Lafferty is a new instructional videotape available from SMS. Donna states her experience as follows.
"Ice cream, special effects and Problem Solving are my specialty for still and motion photography. By special invitation from the First Lady I made ornaments for the White House Christmas trees . . . styled food for the Oprah Winfrey Show . . . made dancing tacos with smiling faces . . . constructed an indestructible cherry pie for TV...turned separating spaghetti sauce into a thing of beauty . . . acted as Art Director, Prop & Food Stylist, Magician and Wit on hundreds of jobs . . . taught Food Styling for years . . . "We at SMS found the tape to be quite informative. A welcome addition to your videotape library. To order contact Helena 312-738-0747 or email smsprod@sbcglobal.net
National Academy of the Moving Image (NAMI) Classes
- Cinematography and Advanced Lighting
- The DP is the person responsible for getting the scene on film. Therefore, making the right decisions about lighting the scene or location, especially when a certain look is needed, is imperative. This is only one of the responsibilities of the D.P. Veteran Director of Photography, Bill Birch takes you step by step through your responsibilities as well as the real world of cinematography. Adding extras such as set etiquette, working with your crew, knowing the script and understanding your job. Advanced Lighting will review the basics and take you through complex situations. Time permitting, working with a director and setting a scene followed by discussion.
4 week class - Tuesdays, Oct. 12, 19, 26, Nov. 2 -- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Instructor: William H. Birch, D.P.
Features/Commercials/Documentaries (Film & Video)
- Props & Set Decoration
- Every shoot has props and set decoration. We might not always think of it in those terms, but there is always something needed for a certain mood or look. Then there's placing it correctly. As our shoots get bigger, more expensive and complicated so do our props and set decoration. Then we find that we are in dire need of someone who is capable of finding the props, having them ready each day for the shoot and decorating the set the way the director envisions it. Maintaining control over these props as well as continuity throughout the entire shoot is more complex than most of us imagine. If you've ever been on a shoot that has been held up due to lack of props, you know how expensive the day can become. We can not stress enough that organization in preproduction is the key to working smart and saving money. Learn how to break down the script, maintain control over the flood of daily paperwork, work out of a prop truck and build a reputation for competence.
3 week class - Tuesdays, Oct 19, 26, and Nov. 2nd. -- 7:00 PM - 9:45 PM
Instructor: Marjorie Fritz-Birch
(Features, Commercials, Docs & Episodic TV)
- Camera Assistant
- The purpose of this class is to allow the student a hands-on approach in learning the duties and protocol of a professional camera assistant. Not only will the daily demands of the First, Second and Loader job classifications be explored but an important emphasis on set etiquette will also be addressed. The students will acquire a working knowledge of the challenges and expectations demanded of a Camera Assistant and a realistic overview of the employment opportunities which may exist.
4 week class - Thursdays, October 21, 28 and November 4, 11
Instructor: W. Joe Carroll
Camera Asst. I.A.T.S.E. 1975-Present
Credits include: The Fugitive, Backdraft...Coming Soon
- Advanced Directing
- Digital Editing
- Step By Step Post Production
...and MORE...
Class Registration
Contact Helena at 312-738-0747 or
Email: smsprod@sbcglobal.net
Please register ASAP as space is limited.
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