The creators of The Padcaster , a revolutionary iPad case that transforms the tablet into an on-the-go production studio, today announced the availability of version 2.0 of its namesake product, The Padcaster. The latest version of the mobile filmmaking tool is available for preorder at a discount exclusively through the company’s recently launched Kickstarter campaign. The Padcaster 2.0 has been upgraded to accommodate a wider range of accessories as well as to provide a better fit for the current range of compatible ones. Additionally, The Padcaster 2.0 will have larger openings, making it much easier to access the control buttons and charging port on the iPad. For filmmakers using The Padcaster as a DSLR cage...
John Badham on Directing (Book Review)
In my experience, the mantra that states “you can’t teach directing” is true. Directing can be a painful process of learning by trial and error. While nobody can “teach you” how to have a unique vision, there are people that can give you valuable information that can help you execute it. There are plenty of books written by accomplished and very respectable directors that serve this purpose. Iʼve read several of them and among the ones that have helped me the most as a beginner director have been written by John...
Aberrations (Short Critique)
A nearly bankrupt photographer is out taking pictures when he encounters a strange man in a dark hood. The man opens fire, and the Photographer (also an accomplished marksman) fires back. Wounding the man, he’s unable to confront him, but finds a box left behind that contains several unusual camera lenses...
Impackt (Software Review)
As microfilmmakers, we are used to making fast cuts and thoughtful fades between scenes and camera angles. However, if your story telling demands something more evocative and lyrical, then Luca Visual FX Impackt transitions is worth a look. Just so everything is up-front, this plug in is part of the Noise Industries, FactoryFX plug-in management system and is only for Mac Final Cut Pro 10 in conjunction with FactoryFX v4 or later...
After Effects CC (Software Review)
The latest version of After Effects has arrived: After Effects CC, as it is now known. It is available exclusively through Adobe’s Creative Cloud subscription program, where users essentially rent the software on a monthly or yearly basis rather than owning it.