Okay, I’m back. So I went to Tekserve. I’m looking to get more into color grading but I’m at a crossroads right now. I have a decent system. It’s your basic offline configuration but it’s an HD world we live in so that only means one thing. If I want to take this post-production business to the next level I will have to at some point invest in a fully uncompressed HD system. Do I have about $20-$25K to do it right? Hell no! It would require a loan. I can see I’m not the only one thinking about an antiquated system. Right, the seminar. It was taught by Alexis Van Hurkman. He’s written some books. He’s worked on some films. Taught me a few things. Overall I came out with the thought that, yeah, the 3-Way Color Correction tool in Final Cut Pro is pretty powerful. Now it’s even better with the new 5.1.2 update. This is funny because there are rumblings out there that say the opposite. This issue might have a lot to do with what was improved with the new update. The old scopes only read 16 scanlines where the new and improved read everything. The time was right too. I’m starting a new project next week that is being shot on the HVX200/P2 jammee. HD native on my little system. Yes, it will present some issues like monitoring. I only have one Cinema Display. You need two for any serious color work to see detail along with soft focus issues.

Anyway, just some thoughts on “a” future. All this as I try to juggle working on a new screenplay that has been just circling around my head. That’s the tough part. I’ve said this before. It’s left brain, right brain. The editing stuff is very technical and all about tools that change overnight. Where screenwriting is about digging deep and finding new ways to tell a story. Blah blah blah. Why couldn’t I have just stuck with driving a cab. Maybe I’ll go get an application at the Apple store?

Oh yeah, did I mention we’re thinking about having kids?

I’ve added a Forums section to create a mini-community of filmmakers. This is a place where film and video professionals can leave a link to their site, collaborate with others or just promote their film. I added sections that I thought would be relevant and useful maybe even inspirational.

I also have my own agenda here. I’m looking for NYC professionals and beyond to drop by and leave a breadcrumb trail to their site, online reel and/or contact info. From time to time I need collaborators and coconspirators. Sometimes I need a DVCPRO HD deck and I don’t want to pay an insanely high day rental. Other times I need an amazing After Effects artist or maybe just a great DP with his/her own HD kit. I thought this would be a place to let people make their presence and availability known to myself and others.

As time goes on I’ll add more sections if need be. Maybe with these forums thousands will visit [this savage art...]. I can dream can’t I?

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