Three Quick Ways to Make Your B-roll Better

As a producer, I log hours and hours of video. There are three mistakes that I frequently see. They cut across all levels of experience. Fortunately, they’re easy to fix. Don’t Talk When Shooting B-roll It’s easy to think that you won’t need audio when you’re shooting visual sequences. But the truth is, b-roll is far more dynamic when it includes natural sound. B-roll with sound can be used for pacing between sections of your project or to cover interview sound bites and provide a rich texture. If you talk while shooting, you lose this opportunity. You’re left with just visuals. While you can sometimes get away with this, say when you use music, it’s far better to have the option of using natural sound. If you have it, chances are that you’ll find a use for it. Remember, no matter how softly you speak, the camera microphone will hear you. So…

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UnionDocs Collaborative Studio Calls for Applicants

The UnionDocs Collaborative Studio (CoLAB) is now accepting applications for a 10-month program for a select group of media artists from the U.S. and abroad. Based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, CoLAB offers a platform for exploring contemporary approaches to the documentary arts and a process for developing an innovative collaborative project. Program Description The program consists of weekly production meetings, seminars, screenings and other public programs, along with regular masterclasses and critiques with visiting artists. Key benefits include: Dynamic interaction among a network of talented peers Direct exchange with visiting artists and industry experts A structured environment for research and experimentation Mentoring on the production of original work and regular group critique Exhibition opportunities for the year's collaborative project Learn more at UnionDocs. Deadline June 15. Apply online. About CoLAB CoLAB is a new and alternative fellowship model, offering residency and visa support for six participants coming from abroad and an equal number…

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MediaStorm Guide to Organizing Assets with Color Labels

This article is part of a new series of posts with tips and tricks from our producers' experience working with Adobe Production Pro after years of working in Final Cut Pro. To read more about why we made the switch, check out this post. Today's post was written by MediaStorm producer Tim McLaughlin. At MediaStorm, we use tracks to organize by asset type on the timeline. It gives our timeline a level of organization and visual clarity that allows us to find specific items quickly. Additionally, because we often work on each others timelines, it gives us an immediate sense of familiarity with one another's projects. One of my favorite options in Adobe Premiere Pro is the ability to color code assets directly on the timeline, making the visual organization of the timeline all the more obvious. Below you’ll see a timeline color coded by asset. This post will teach you how…

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MediaStorm Presents the 2013 ICP Infinity Awardees

MediaStorm is pleased to present eight new films produced in collaboration with the International Center of Photography with support from the Harbers Family Foundation. Since 1985 ICP's Infinity Awards have brought attention to outstanding achievements in photography. The 2013 Infinity Awards films serve as a portrait of some of the important contributors to photography today. Special Presentation: Jeff Bridges Jeff Bridges is an Academy Award-winning actor. He is also an accomplished photographer. He’s been taking pictures on the set of his movies for more than 30 years, capturing intimate and surprising behind-the-scenes moments. Young Photographer: Kitra Cahana Blurring the line between subjects and friends, Kitra Cahana captures a rare level of intimacy with her subjects. As a documentary photographer, her images explore anthropological, social and spiritual themes through a human perspective. Applied/Fashion/Advertising: Erik Madigan Heck As a photographer, Erik Madigan Heck does not differentiate between art and fashion in his work. Adhering…

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