"How To" videos are a large part of our YouTube content.  We have many different types of 'how to's' that cover everything from: Lighting, Basic Mic Techniques, Make up & SFX, and even soldering.  I usually run the main camera on our 'how to' videos.  All were shot on either a Canon 5D mark II or Mark III and edited by our Junior Editor at Platinum, Brittney Carter.  I am posting a few different ones for you to take a look at, and when I have more time, I will continue to post more as we shoot them.  But please feel free to take a look at Full Sail's youtube channel to see them all.  And don't forget to watch in HD for full quality.  Thanks.

This is a fun 2 part video on how to create blood SFX for gunshot and bite wounds.  Enjoy!

How to Record Vocals:  Basic Techniques

How to Set up 3-Point Lighting for Film, Video and Photography.

How to Make Fake Blood

One a side note, on the last two videos, 3-point lighting and fake blood, I only camera assisted parts of both videos since I was newly hired.  Thanks again for watching.

Part of what we do involves interviews with graduates on the work they completed while they were in school.  We were lucky to get an interview with Daniel a week before he left Florida to pursue his career in Digital Arts &Design.  This was a two-camera shoot, both Canon 5D's, and as usual I operated the one on the slider for the moving shots.  I was still gaining my bearings while editing the footage together, but as I got deeper in to the edit I began to get used to the workflow and how to edit in a manner that best represented the company.  Furthermore, working more frequently in Final Cut Pro, I started to remember hot keys, and faster ways to get the job done in a professional manner.  I feel the video turned out to represent the graduate and his work very well.  Watch in HD for full quality.  

This was one of the first projects I worked on as a freelancer for Platinum Creative.  The video was put together for the announcement of Full Sail University's new Youtube Channel.  I operated a Canon 5D Mark II on a slider for the shoot.  This was also my first major editing project, and I do have to admit I was quite nervous, even though it was a simple project, as I was not as practiced as I should have been when it comes to editing.    However it was fun to put together and both of the actors were fantastic to work with.  Watch in HD for full quality.  Cheers

Its been 10 months since my last post, and a lot has changed in my life.  I no longer have to wash cars for a living to pay my bills.  Although I do miss some of the people I worked with, I am glad to be gone.  I was fortunate enough to work with people who not only appreciated the fact I did the job no one else wanted, but they respected me because I made zero complaints about it.  I am now happy to say that I work full-time, freelance, as a videographer & editor at Platinum Creative, Full Sail University's in house Design Agency.  I am the main camera operator and one of the video editors for the Web Video Team.  We produce content for Full Sail University's Youtube channel, including but not limited to:  How to tutorials, Student and Alumni Interviews, Graduate work, special guest interview and lectures and much more.    In the next few days I will be posting videos showcasing what I do at my job.  Any questions?  Please feel free to ask.

-Cheers.

Acting

Sometimes dialogue is overrated, and in fact sometimes its down right terrible.  However, its the delivery of the actor/actress that breathes life into the words.  On the other hand what happens when their are no words to hide behind?  The entire delivery depends on the actor/actresses' emotion and physicality.  Here is a great example of great actors/actresses acting sans dialogue.  Enjoy.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/12/12/magazine/14actors.html

The year of 2011 is coming to a close.  It has been crazy to say the least.  I didn't find much work in what I am aiming to do, however I did find a job to help pay the bills.  That's something to be thankful for in these trying times.  I have some big plans for the new year, and I have already started putting in the work.  Why wait for a number to change when you can get started right now.  Good things comes to those who work.  So I am working my ass off.

Also I am updating my goals, I have been concentrating mostly on photography so I have made some changes.  But I do promise, this is a writing, filmmaking and photography blog.  You will start seeing a variety of posts.

• Still want 3 short films in post by another year
• the feature script I am waiting on.  I am just focused on different projects at the moment, but who knows I may get a crazy inspiration and run with it
• still working on my book, still plan to have the first draft done in 2 years
• reading as much as I can everyday (anyone want to donate good reads, Ill be more than happy to take them off of your hands. :)
• working on building a real estate photography and beauty/fashion photography portfolio
• still not settling
• No longer scared

I feel like I have heard thousands of no's for work, but Im still here ready for anything.  Thank you to those who do read this.  Have a safe and happy new year.

-Cheers

Finally...An Update

Still getting used to this blogging situation.  Where to begin... Well, recently I attended a Photoshoot Workshop put on by one of my former Producing Teachers Jason S. Blanchard.  He will be making a big move to L.A. in February and wants to pass on as much information as possible to students before he leaves.  The Workshop was wonderful and I am proud to say I learned a lot.  I am still figuring out what direction I want to take my photography and learning the in's and out's of how to set up photoshoots is a big step in really any direction.  Jason is the most inspirational instructor I have ever had.  He not only loves teaching, but he genuinely cares about the future of his students.  As he puts it he hopes to one day work for some of us.  Good luck Jason as you take your journey to L.A.

Also,  I have finally finished the grad photos from my previous post.  It took longer than expected as a Cap & Gown were ordered and shipped in.  I did a couple of shoots with my girlfriend Laurie D. Padilla and her friends from IADT at two different locations.  I am pretty satisfied with the way the photos came out.  I don't like to do a lot of post work to my photographs.  If I can I try to do everything in camera as I am taking the photo.  Here are a few photos from the shoots.  Have a look and feel free to leave any comments or constructive criticism.
Equipment used:  Canon 7D, EF 28-135mm 3.5-5.6 lens

-Cheers