Video Production and the SG Blade

Nearly a year ago I purchased an SG Blade lens adaptor system so that I could use Nikon 35mm SLR lens's on my Sony Z1 HD video camera. The results have been sensational. We've had a little hiccup with some problems but they've been ironed out now and the whole system is turning out some stunning images. It's interesting to observe that the Blade has some issues with light, (you lose about 1 F stop) and you have to manually focus and pay attention to aperture settings. This forces us to be very careful with our setups and lighting - a bit like going back to the old days! Everything has to be done manually. I can tell you it's well worth the effort and a very enjoyable process. You can see more about the Blade at www.shoot35.com and see some of the projects we've filmed with the system at http://www.atractorproductions.com/services-and-examples.php

Filming at the beautiful Goonawarra Winery in Sunbury tomorrow - hurrah! Will post how it goes.

Video production and Panda update

I notice the new Google update is taking effect on search engine rankings in the video production scene. This has to be a good example of the impact that video and video sitemaps has on website rankings. Really, for ANY small business wanting to get their message out there then there is real value and ROI in having quality, profession video produced and resident on your site. At A Tractor Productions here in Melbourne, we work with excellent web designers and SEO companies to help our clients achieve meaningful results. In my opinion, video contributes to this process by giving the whole thing something to hang off - by that I mean that once you have a video produced, then you can blog, newsletter, email, etc... the video out to your database. This in turn increases video views and your contents relevance in Google searches. It drives more traffic to your site and those viewers stay on your site longer - once again increasing your relevance in Google searches and driving more traffic to your site - and so the wheel turns.
Happy Easter!!
bb

Bob Dylan Concert in Melbourne last night

Saw Dylan last night at Rod Laver thanks to my mate Bernard. What a great band, concert and sound. Top quality. Sad about Bobs voice - wanted to hear the great mans words and be moved but his throat is very worn and tired and could only make out a few snippets. I found myself asking if he toured with a vocal coach - and if not why not? My partner and I are still arguing about the merits of his harmonica playing but the crowd went berserk every time he blew his holy breathe through it - if that means anything! Still fantastic to see him and the band though. Wow!
I know - not much about video production in this blog but too much work makes Jack a dull boy! Will return with some more posts regarding my adventures with the SG Blade lens adapter system soon.

Video camera repair

Just had our camera serviced and used Pro Hi Tech Services in Sth Melbourne. Great service, cleaned the Sony up, made sure the head wear was minimal, checked focus stuff - all great and not expensive. Highly recommended.

Hello Sunday Morning

Just read an great article http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/high-sobriety-20110409-1d8gz.html
regarding our drinking society. It lead me to the Hello Sunday Morning site www.hellosundaymorning.com.au
While I can say that I'm very tempted by the idea of abstaining from alcohol for 3 months, and I may well proceed with that, I was struck by the sites very excellent use of video to get the idea across.
This is a perfect example using video on a website to communicate ideas, passion and commitment. Kudos!
Cheers
bb
www.atractorproductions.com

LED lighting

Currently working on a presentation video for Dave Tripp at Laser Electrical Clayton and Wantirna. Getting to see that LED lighting is going to be a real participant in reducing our power bills and overall energy efficiency - amazing stuff! Using Motion for alot of the graphic work, what a fantastic program to use alongside Final Cut Studio. Also achieved a very tidy 3 point lighting setup using a blue screen.