The Great Camera Shootout 2010

So, it was very cool for Cristina and I to be a part of the Zacuto Great Camera Shootout of 2010. They really pushed the envelope with this one and did a great job seeing how all of the DSLR's would stand up against the gold standard of film. Check it out here...
The Great Camera Shootout 2010
Also sorry I haven't been blogging as much but I have been extremely busy with a really cool project that I hope to be sharing more of very soon.

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What happens in Vegas...

As some of you know, we just spent a week in Vegas... Why? Because I had a great opportunity to shoot with some of the top filmmakers in the wedding industry. Julie Hill from Elysium Productions came up with a very cool, unique concept for a same day edit and on top of that, brought together an all female crew. Event DV's top 25, Julie Hill and Kristen*, along with Kara Jensen and myself shot at the brand new Mandarin with one very cool couple.

Personally, this was my first all 5d wedding with a same day edit and what an experience. Check out the piece and let me know you thoughts :)

Aria & Elie's Rock and Roll SDE from the Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas from Elysium Productions on Vimeo.

~Oh... side note: This is a new series featuring female filmmakers... If you are or know of women in the film industry producing great work please contact me: cristinamvaldivieso@gmail.com

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Canon 5D MKII Firmware is Here...

Everyone has been waiting forever and it's finally here the firmware that adds 24p for the 5DMKII !!
Also adds some audio control and a histogram.
http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/firm-e/eos5dmk2/firmware.html

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Re:Inspired

I remember the first time I met Philip Bloom... I had no idea who he was and had no idea I would soon purchase a 5d. Before I heard him speak and show his work at Re:Frame Austin, I saw him constantly running around with a camera. At that time I was relatively new to the industry and what stood out the most to me is that he was one of the only ones who always had a camera in his hand. Yes, of course, his work inspired me but his passion for what he does inspired me even more.

I had always used the Canon XHA1 and found it was too bulky to carry around for fun but that all changed with the 5d... I took it everywhere and still do. I love seeing beautiful pieces that are done out of the blue. Filming something that is not planned and just for fun, because you love what you do, is what it's all about.

Now, let me get to my point... We just came back from Vegas and while I was there I tweeted about how dirty the window was and how I wanted to do a timelapse. Rob Parker wrote me back and sent me a link to a very nice piece and guess what I love most about it? He did it spur of the moment. Thanks for sharing this with me Rob :)

Racing Rain from Rob Parker on Vimeo.

Have you been re:inspired by your new DSLR? I'd love to hear your thoughts...

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How To Fund an Indie Project

I have all these great ideas that I want to do but it always seems like I am saying, "Man, I wish I had ten grand I would (insert pet project here)" So as an independent filmmaker or an aspiring one, I think the first and toughest obstacle we face is: Who is going to pay for this?
Art is great. Art without the financial backing is most likely going to remain an idea that never gets done. To me that sucks. I wonder how many of you out there have brilliant films/projects that will never see the light of day because you can't make it happen financially. I have the same problem lots of ideas but no viable way to make them come to fruition. Well folks, I may have the answer for some of you. I haven't tried it out myself yet and I only ask one thing of you in return. If you use this, please share your project with us. By that I mean either shoot me an email and tell me a little about it when it's done or even just shoot me a link to the finished product. I'd love to see what some of you ultra-talented filmmakers can do with a little backing.
Anyway so here it is check it out and let me know what you think. Again I haven't tried it yet myself but it looks amazing and it appears that others have had a great deal of success raising capital. Go here for a collaborative way to fund ideas and fuel innovation

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