Re: [MISP] (Eric - corrected version please...) Contrast level of video productions

***This is a MISP Listserv message. Responses are sent to the list by default.*** ***For more info about MISP and the listserv, scroll to the bottom of the page*** * I just came across this thread and usually don't post but please take a look at Bars and Tones. Any editing facility or editing program will have a function to generate color tones and grey scales.  These can be used to calibrate monitors or contrast levels.  There are some simple methods to insure you are in the proper range.  These things are usually well documented and will most likely be covered in online help menus.

hope that helps.

brian

On Tue, Dec 9, 2008 at 7:17 AM, Jim Terr <bluecanyon2@newmexico.com> wrote:

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Hey folks - I think I have a bona fide "Discussion" topic here, for this discussion group!!

 

Background: I make it a point to attend all the screenings of local shorts I can, at the NM Film Festival & Expo, Duke City Shootout, etc., because as one of the many people who hope to make a feature some day, I want to keep up on who the local actors and production people are, etc.

 

Setting aside issues of writing, acting and even "production," I've noticed a big problem in BRIGHTNESS AND CONTRAST of many local productions, when projected in theaters for these programs, compared to higher-budget or "slicker" productions, from out of state or whatever. (I'd say it has to do with the projection, but I've noticed this in several venues, and have had much chance to compare and "contrast.") The "local" problem I see is relatively low contrast, and sometimes low brightness as well. Overall effect: dull.

 

I've noticed this problem particularly in many of the otherwise fine shorts put out by the NM Film Intensive. I'm wondering what the problem is here. Are these films typically edited at some single editing facility, whose monitors are perhaps not calibrated the same as monitors elsewhere? Are they perhaps cranked up a little in terms of contrast, so that the resulting videos are not sufficiently contrasty when shown elsewhere?

 

I've often noticed that most of my own footage, even when it looks good & bright on the camera and in capture, has to be jacked up in terms of contrast, when edited, to look good on my monitor, which is just my computer screen. But I do it, and the resulting videos always look to me sufficiently contrasty, when projected at these programs, relative to the best and highest-budgeted-looking stuff at these programs.  

 

So what's the deal here? Does anybody have any thoughts? I'd especially enjoy hearing from some of the old hands who know something about calibration, standardization, or whatever.

 

ON ANOTHER ISSUE, the perpetual quest to make a very low-budget but very good feature, I saw a film at the SF Film Festival which re-enforced my belief that you can make a great feature for under $100k. This was a California production called "RULE OF THREE", made for $50,000 as I understand it, with contributions of $5,000 each from each of the actors involved, their families, etc. The trailer (which doesn't quite capture it) is on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4T01XkpteY . My YouTube comment is below. I would love to bring the film and the filmmakers here for a discussion of how you pull off a film this good for $50k. (I think it has something to do with script and actors.)

 

            Jim Terr  www.JimTerr.com 

               Santa Fe, New Mexico USA

                   Tel. 505-989-9298  "275,000 YouTube views - and counting!"

 

hymiehymie (1 hour ago)

Great, engaging film - just saw it at the Santa Fe Film Festival. A "model" for what a good film you can make on a very low budget ($50k), with great actors, good shooting, and a compelling, well-written script that keeps you guessing. I have seen many films this year costing 100x more than this, that were not as interesting. Congratulations to all involved!! But the trailer? "A room full of doom"? That sounds more like Dr. Suess, and does not capture the hip creepiness of this film.

 

 

 

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