Most of the time we only recognize significant events in hindsight after their effects are obvious. And, while Philip Bloom bringing DSLR HD video production to Skywalker Ranch may turn out to be just another moment in history, I think it’s likely to be more than that.
The event has certainly changed Mr. Bloom’s life. It has also brought a level of validation to creating high level projects using DSLR cameras and highly portable support equipment.
But there’s more to it than that. Otherwise, why would Quentin Tarantino be moved to declare it, “Epic!”. See for yourself…
Skywalker Ranch from Philip Bloom on Vimeo.
Of course, there’s the years of expert work by Philip shooting landscapes. Add in his ability to get the most of out every piece of equipment. Then there’s his knowledge of getting the footage through the post-production workflow to produce a stunning final render. And, of course, this was edited in the same room as many blockbuster movies.
The location itself was spectacular but he also ran into weather issues, had a limited time to work, and no doubt ran into the normal variety of production snags along the way. Other than the adding a GlideTrack, he’s using all the techniques he’s used in previous work. He even slipped in a couple of time-lapse sequences.
And maybe it’s the ordinariness of it that seems most significant to me.
There are now enough people shooting high enough quality work on a regular basis that a producer like George Lucas decides to bring in someone so he can see what’s going on here. And what’s going on is so normal that it fits right into their workflow. They can now use it like any other tool in the production system.
I know I felt inspired to keep shooting, editing and releasing small projects using my Nikon D90 while working my day job with “real” production systems. I think many others in our community felt the same way.
It’s like the big boys called and want to know if we can come over and play. Cool!
Read the whole story here – http://philipbloom.co.uk/2009/12/12/the-tale-of-lucasfilm-skywalker-ranch-red-tails-star-wars-and-canon-dslrs/
-a-
