[Stephen Pickering]

[Warren Eig] “Can you rig the C100 on the bike? The GoPro has a really wide angle of view.”

That was one concern about the GoPro, but I haven’t used one recently. I thought it could crop in-camera for narrower. Or if I go with the Black GoPro, I could possibly film in the higher res (2K, 4K) and crop in post. I don’t mind a wide-view (and would prefer it) but fisheye would be too much.

I’m sure I could figure out a way to rig the C100 to the bike, but it wouldn’t be pretty. I don’t have a fancy steadicam, just a GlideCam Pro HD, so it still needs my arms for actual stabilizing.

[Stephen Pickering]

Also, I should mention I would like to use Davinci Resolve for the final grading… which I guess is my biggest question about workflow. Usually I use Keylight in AE. but because I have recently started using a Cinema profile from the C100 I have started using Resolve as a last step for the coloring. But I’ve never used both Resolve and Keylight in the same project. Do I work as usually doing the keying in AE but simply keying a flatter, less saturated image?

Thank you,

Stephen

[Stephen Pickering]

[Steve Brame] “Here’s one example…”

That was really clever! I’m not sure if the initial awkwardness and hassle of syncing outweighs the fun video though. But a by-product was that I couldn’t fast forward to the end unless I wanted to lose sync- that’s smart!

So, from a serious standpoint- is this something that actually makes sense? Would people actually go through the hoops to play it (I honestly wouldn’t have if it wasn’t for the reason of seeing how it worked)? Obviously 105k people clicked play, but that’s from being online for 4 years, and I wonder how many closed the windows after 10 seconds of confusion. But… it does work.

Thanks!

[Stephen Pickering]

Despite all of the great offers by some of you to play monkeys, I continued our search… and might have secured a chimpanzee! The chimp tips our budget, but I think it will be worth persuading the client. And I was already warned by the handler that the chimp won’t be petted… I didn’t ask about the dangers of my face being ripped off. Maybe I’ll use a zoom lens…

I’m meeting with the client at the end of the week to discuss details and hopefully get the shoot booked later this month. I have mixed feelings. Some of your words of wisdom scare the heck out of me, but I’m a sucker for a challenge. In all seriousness the suggestions you all gave have helped me a lot. It’s a very small “set” and minimum crew. I was warned the chimp is great for the first take or two but gets bored quickly- so we’ll just have to shoot to get the take the first time. But we also don’t have a storyboard we’re tied to either. We’ll get what we can however we can. And a bored chimp is still cool too.

I’ll keep you all posted on this… adventure!

[Stephen Pickering]

[Nick Griffin] “WOW, are you entering a world of complication and hassle, or what?? We have a client who wanted one monkey for their trade show booth and the hoops we were given to jump through were unreal. INCLUDING… having a specified “relief area” for the monkey. Oh, and we had to fly in the monkey and his trainer from Florida and pay for meals and lodging for both.

I’ve asked my partner who was handling this to chime in here and let you know just how much of a hole you are digging for yourself.

Best advice: go to where a trained monkey is, rent a green screen studio that will enable you to take one monkey and clone him in different positions and places and be prepared for this to be one of the most expensive shoots you’ve EVER contemplated. Or… get a new idea.”

No… This is not what I want to hear. I would prefer if you say things like, “this will be the most fun you’ve ever had!” or “It’ll be a piece of cake!” You know, lie to me!

But seriously, thank you for NOT lying! I’m slowly realizing this project is pretty complicated… There is a monkey within a few hours of us, so that’s one plus. We probably WILL be doing your exact suggestion of using only a single money with a greenscreen. We have NOT discussed details yet (like the “relief area!”) so… we’ll see just how far this rabbit hole goes. We are not contractually committed yet and are just figuring out what realistic costs will be at this point, though we are trying hard to make it a reality.

I would LOVE to hear thoughts from your partner though, and if I can legitimately be talked out of this project, my heart will be broken but if it saves me my sanity… well, it might be worth it 🙂 On the other hand if it’s a matter of just being sure I’m doubling my cost estimates, I’m ok going to the client with that as well.

Thank you all, I really appreciate your real world advice!

-Stephen

[Stephen Pickering]

Thanks Mark. No, I had completely forgotten about the WI film organization. I’ll give them a call.

As far as species, a Macaque or a Chimpanzee (I know, not a “monkey”) are two that I like. But I totally get that I’m looking for the impossible being where I’m located. I know I can’t be picky but just thought it would be worth seeing if there were other venues I should check out.

The one in Chicago DOES work, so that’s probably what we’ll go with. But I’ll still give a call to filmwisconsin.

Thanks Mark!
-Stephen

[Stephen Pickering]

[Steve Brame] “You sir, have won the Internet for the day.”

lol, as long as it comes with a prize. Or at least a printable certificate to hang on my wall.

I mentioned this project to a friend of mine, saying “I’ve got a project that’s going to be crazy. I’m going to have to rent a bunch of monkeys…” they had a good laugh- then they realized I was serious. They thought I was referring to the production crew as monkeys.

[Stephen Pickering]

Thanks Mads,

I found a model that is fully rigged (and even animated) but it still needs a little more detail as well as the lighting, etc. I’m in discussion with the original modeler of it and I’m also contacting other modelers who have impressive portfolios.

I put together an animated storyboard which was helpful in showing exactly what was needed.

Thank you also for mentioning that I should ask for suggestions on improving the the shots- they’ll have a different eye than me and I’m sure that would be helpful.

Thank you again!

-Stephen

[Stephen Pickering]

Thank you Mark for your suggestions. I’ve been in touch with an artist I found at one of those 3D sites, I didn’t even realize they had the “hiring” forums! I’ll be posting there again soon to get some more estimates and ideas. I appreciate your input on the Laffer Curve… I’ve been on both sides of that spectrum.

Thank you!
-Stephen

[Stephen Pickering]

Walter, that’s EXACTLY what I was looking for! Thank you!