[Jean Hauptman]

Tony-
Thanks for the post.

>The high end high def cameras handle low light very well so I am confused at the statement you made. Prehaps David meant . . .< No, David stated that the cameras didn't handle low light situations well, but gain looked better because of the improved noise suppression. The discussion didn't cover high-end HD cameras used in feature films. My intent was to give highlights of a good seminar on cameras affordable to independents. Sorry about any confusion!

[Jean Hauptman]

Jan,
Thanks for setting me straight. The presentor implied that the projection might not have been optimal, and tried to show a documentary that kept skipping and stuttering. I don’t know whether that was the fault of the material or the projector. Knowing little about video projectors, I can only relay what is said by those with more expertise and experience.

[Jean Hauptman]

Overall, I found it enjoyable and enlightening.
Most of the presentations went well. One or two
were very good, and a couple were weak.

The interstitial motion graphics were fun, the goody bags
were generous and there was a good turn-out.
The booth was stocked with spray painted T shirts, books and
magazines. (IDN is looking much better than
a few years back when they were heavy into cartoons. Now
a lot of the pages are graphics driven.)

The 3 most notable presentations that I caught were :

Lobo – their graphics are even more energizing on the big screen, and
their work retains a South American flavor in field that is
becoming increasingly generic.

The architectural firm Diller, Scofidio + Renfro gave a mostly
interesting presentation, (although they obsessed way too long on
the first building).

Most fascinating was their Swiss “Blur Building” located on a lake.
A series of nozzles emitted vapor which formed a large white cloud
cloaking the building.

Another building included a long window that was only translucent when
viewed from a certain angle, You could see out when you faced
the window directly, but it faded to opaque further down the hallway.

The firm is redesigning the plaza area of Lincoln Center, which can use
the facelift.

Finally, Visionaire showed the contents of a number of their ritzy $200
magazines. Each issue is designer-driven and innovative.
One included batteries and some of the pages lit up.

I wish that I had heard Fafi. I came in at the end of her talk. She’s very
young and charming, and the audience was captivated.

Chuck Anderson didn’t prepare much, but this was his first, and I’m sure
he’ll get better.

Joshua Davis came in last. 15 minutes in, he didn’t seem to be moving toward
a point, so I took off, hoping I hadn’t missed something fantastic.
The design at his website looks cool.

[Jean Hauptman]

If the effect is what I think you’re talking about, the After Effects paint plug in has wiggle control.

[Jean Hauptman]

I recommend a sunset walk along the Hudson on the lower west side.
The city has done an elegant job revitalizing that area- it’s similar to the
beach walkways in Santa Monica. People bike and skate. You watch sailboats and
cruise ships go by.

The “wharf” has grass and landscaping. It isn’t high above the water,
so when you’re up against the rail it feels exactly like being on a
ship.

[Jean Hauptman]

Mortise is pretty much a window or graphics frame for video. At least where I”ve worked.
LIke you say, every place has a different take on the terms.
A living hold at our place means to slightly move the animation or animation element
after it comes to rest.
I haven’t done a cold open, but our company description is “animated graphics with video
window which teases the show and precedes the open.”

[Jean Hauptman]

One of the coolest bookstores is in a small space in a nondescript area of China Town in NYC.
It’s called Zakka. They specialize in obscure design periodicals and books at the edge.
You can order books from their website at https://www.zakkacorp.com/home.php
Click on “shop”

“You Work for Them” has good stuff you can order. In fact, I found a favorite book that I’d picked
up at Zakka. https://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:H1B8vnv33WYJ:youworkforthem.com/product.php%3Fsku%3DP0354+charles+wilkin+index-a&hl=en

I’d previously mentioined “Semi Permanent” an event coming up in Avery Fisher Hall. These things are one of the few ways of seeing what is going on right now. Our museums tend to have a 30 year time lag, and when they do show something at the edge, it’s usually generic and safe. https://www.semipermanent.com/newyork/sp-vision.html

[Jean Hauptman]

For decent non-generic music, you should go to a small sound shop or even go directly to the composer.
A wonderful audio shop gave a presentation at last year’s MOOV conference in NYC. I don’t have time to track down the company name, but the event is sponsored by the NYC aiga who could help you.

Otherwise, Soundogs has good buzz in the industry for FX. You could check out their music.

[Jean Hauptman]

Sorry about that! This has been one long day.
Mostly cutting-edge -artists-. Not as much mograph as
it seemd at first glance.

A worthy event never-the-less.

Back to work.

[Jean Hauptman]

The haromonizer filters were unique and underutilized. You might like Trapcode’s 3d stroke. It lets you replicate the strokes on either the x y or z axis, and the right controls can get symmetrical stroke patterns similar to harmonizer. There’s always after effects echo, which I don’t like. The Boris Trails filter is a lot better – in fact, you can probably get excellent results with that filter as well.