John DeMaio

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You did the work – now it’s time to get paid. It all starts with an invoice.

You spent the day running cables, moving c-stands, lifting heavy cases and possibly getting coffee. Then you sit around and wait to be called on to run more cables, move more c-stands and lift more heavy cases. After it’s all over you spend the rest of your time wrapping cables, putting away gear and cleaning up. Now it’s time to get paid – so how do you get the cash that you deserve? It all starts with an invoice.

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Are the expensive HDMI cables worth the high price tag?

I went into my local electronics store the other day (I won’t mention any names) and I was shocked at what I heard.  Some poor guy came in and asked for a cheap HDMI cable.  The sales girl said . . . and I quote . . . “those two words just don’t go together.”   […]

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The shows of the future? The commercials themselves . . .

Remember television commercials?  You know, those things that aired in the middle of your favorite shows and gave you just enough time to go to the bathroom or get a drink.  Thanks to DVRs and TiVO we’ve been able to escape the advertisers grasp – not for long.  Now it looks like the push is […]

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Always get generic versions from your talent

Think ahead before you wrap your talent on the shoot day. It is always a great idea to get some generic versions before you start to strike any location because you never know if the client will change their mind. (Here’s a little tip – the client will ALWAYS change their mind so try to prepare yourself accordingly – start by reading this post.)

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Tutorial – A great way to begin any editing project

This tutorial explains the proper way to set up a media elements folder on your system so that you can keep all of your projects organized and easy to navigate. This tutorial is helpful for any non-linear editing platform including Final Cut Pro, Avid, Adobe Premiere Pro, etc. Start here before you begin your first editing project.

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Camera Functions – Image Controls

This post gets into the common controls and functions for proper image color and exposure. This is where you begin to earn your title of “camera operator.”

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Oliver Peters – Film/Video Editor, Colorist and Post Production Supervisor

Oliver Peters and I have a little chat about what it takes to be a good editor, as well as some advice for those of you that aspire to greatness in the field of post production. A very cool interview that you don’t want to miss.

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Stephen F. Campbell – Cinematographer / Camera Operator / Director

Stephen Campbell discusses his background in the world of motion picture cinematography and give some key information for anyone looking to begin a career in the camera department.

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Use a microphone – not the one on the camera

Professional audio requires a microphone that plugs into your camera. The one that comes with camera isn’t a good solution when you have talent that is speaking. Unless you like the sound of someone talking like they are a mile away . . . that’s up to you.

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Stephen Campbell talks about his work on Zombieland

Stephen Campbell describes his work on the film “Zombieland” as we watch the film’s trailer. If you’re interested in working as a camera operator on feature films this is a very cool video.

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