Blog Off!

266 - Mixed Messages

2010-08-14T15:17:00.005-05:00

265 - MG - Playing with Fireworks

2010-07-06T23:56:00.002-05:00

264 - Water Tower

2010-07-04T11:07:00.000-05:00

263 - Austin Photo

2010-05-19T22:46:00.004-05:00

262 - GB Poster

2010-03-27T00:48:00.008-05:00

GREENBERG came out today. It is a really good film, and has an amazing cast and a great soundtrack by James Murphy.

Call me slow, but I had always assumed that the movie poster for GB was from a studio shot that was taken by someone else. It looked like a studio shot and I didn't remember taking anything like it (why should I, I only took over 25,000 photos) while on set. Looking through the GB hard drive just now I realized the truth...

©2010 Focus Features

Greenberg Promotion

2010-02-28T14:27:00.005-06:00

Greenberg comes out in a few weeks, so my photos from the movie and more film clips are being released in a sudden firestorm. Here is a good example.

Joe

2009-12-17T12:59:00.001-06:00

259 - Serious Clips

2009-09-11T23:56:00.004-05:00

A Serious Man has just had its world premiere, so the reviews are starting to roll in, along with more of the photos that I took. Check out some newly released clips.

258 - Kids Books These Days!

2009-09-07T22:58:00.002-05:00

157 - LA

2009-08-28T11:26:00.001-05:00

156 - Paul @ Studio

2009-08-20T00:47:00.002-05:00

Much to everyone's surprise, an image from the current film I am shooting (last day is tomorrow!) called PAUL, was posted on Stage 41 at Universal studios, right where the studio tour drives by.

255 - Serious Poster

2009-08-20T00:42:00.002-05:00

My first movie poster image.

254 - ASM

2009-07-30T22:19:00.002-05:00

Photos by Wilson, check out the new trailer!

233 - St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral

2009-06-28T02:18:00.003-05:00

252 - Careful Now

2009-06-27T13:54:00.001-05:00

251 - Airstreams

2009-06-20T17:45:00.001-05:00

251- Bird Video

2009-05-31T23:10:00.002-05:00

Check out a track from an Andrew Bird show that I was the DP on, Anonanimal - Live

250 - Odd Vacation

2009-05-17T21:53:00.008-05:00

A couple of friends emailed me some vacation pics from Maui. Seems like an odd vacation, but whatever floats your boat.

Good luck on the rest of the trip Steve and Sarah!

249 - Today (5.11.09) and 78 years ago

2009-05-11T23:41:00.003-05:00

William Thompson 1931-32 @ Thomas Inc. Studios in Culver City (Now Culver City Studios)
My great-uncle? Is that a real term?

248 - In the Market Today

2009-05-10T00:41:00.001-05:00

247 - Tucker K.

2009-05-07T15:22:00.003-05:00

246 - Get the FACTS

2009-05-07T15:15:00.002-05:00

245 - Moon

2009-04-09T00:51:00.000-05:00

242 - FRANK

2009-04-03T02:48:00.002-05:00

240 - TRUCK

2009-04-03T02:39:00.003-05:00

239 - Cole

2009-02-18T21:22:00.000-06:00

238 - Daughter in a basket

2009-02-14T21:31:00.000-06:00

237 - Mpls/St.Paul Mag

2009-02-14T20:56:00.005-06:00

A photo that I took from The Coen film, A SERIOUS MAN, was printed in MPLS ST PAUL Magazine in the March 2009 Edition. If you have a magnifying glass, you can even read my credit!

236 - Bird News

2009-01-23T14:58:00.005-06:00

Seems that with the release of Andrew Bird's new cd, NOBLE BEAST we are seeing some of the footage that I was the DP on. It was a multi camera shoot from last year. More details on this past post.

Look Here, on ABC

Then Here, on Beta Current

And to hear an entire Bird show Look, and listen, here.

235 - Recent Mallman Promo Shot

2008-11-27T21:42:00.004-06:00

Down and Dirty

234 - At Last

2008-10-25T20:28:00.001-05:00

233 - I'm in Utah

2008-08-06T19:09:00.003-05:00

232 - What if I was an old lady?

2008-08-03T15:40:00.005-05:00

While working last week, I let someone (I won't name any names) park my equipment van while I was shooting. When he picked up the van to wrap it later, the following note was affixed to the windshield...

231 - Ruby Isle

2008-08-02T10:55:00.005-05:00

Last week I took a few pics for the party band of the apocalypse, Ruby Isle.
Their cd is coming out soon, as well as a short tour for the group.

I have been thinking about starting another blog about lighting, but perhaps I will just use this one. If I do decide to do that, I'll expand on the details of these photos in the near future. For now, just enjoy these photos!

230 - Interesting New Product

2008-07-12T20:47:00.003-05:00

229 - True Story

2008-07-10T08:41:00.004-05:00

228 - Hoop Pic

2008-07-04T09:08:00.001-05:00

227 - JigSaw

2008-07-03T22:59:00.011-05:00

A few photos from a JOY of Cooking spot that I shot for Jigsaw Pictures.

226 - DoomTree

2008-07-03T10:57:00.012-05:00

Here are a few quick shots from a music video that I shot last week for DoomTree. It was directed by Brady@thekiernangroup.

Camera, Jib, Light and Remote Head ready to go on this Rangermoblie.

Dessa, right before a silk flys over her head in order to soften the sunlight on her face.

POS steps in.

Bikes are everywhere in this video.

225 - High in the Sky

2008-06-23T23:16:00.006-05:00

Here's a pic that I took while riding a window washer type thingy up 35 stories or so while Gaffing a job recently in downtown St.Paul.

224 - Direction

2008-06-19T05:23:00.007-05:00

A few weeks ago I shot and directed a spot, as well as lit and shot it. It was my first real directing job, and I think that it went well. The spot was for Prince and King Seafood and here are a few stills from that day. Hopefully I will get the opportunity to do more of it.

Mike Rylander

Amber Swenson

Simple lighting set-up. 5-6 lights total. Pic below of the finished shot.

223 - Target Ad

2008-06-18T22:21:00.006-05:00

Here is the finished product from a composite shoot that shot about a month ago. Amazing work from Motion 504, as always!

222 - Bob on Board

2008-06-18T21:21:00.015-05:00

Ok, let me explain the last posting and these new photos. I have been working on a child's TV Show called the Choo Choo Bob Show. It is the brainchild of Choo Choo Bob Medcraft, Joe Martin (of Splice Here!)
, and myself.
It all started with the spot that I shot for Bob's store back last November and has taken on a life of it's own with a lot of great people assisting us now.
It is a dream come true for Bob, and I am happy to be a part of it, acting as a low grade semi-producer, DP, Gaffer, and whatever else is needed.
If we are lucky enough to use the first few shows to secure some funding, then perhaps we can all wear a few less hats. As of now it will be shown locally on Channel 23.

Each show will consist of two 15 min segments. Each segment will start in the studio, go out to a location, and end up back in the studio. So the pictures in the last entry were taken a few weeks ago when we visited the St.Croix Railroad .

For the record, Darin Spring took the last 2 photos.

Bob himself, on set, making deals.

Rich Kronfeld and Sam Heyn fall thru the door.

Below: DP Dad and Daughter Day

Here is a time-lapse that I shot while the set was being built (designed and built by 3 Ring Scenic ) and then while we lit it.

221 - Bridge Shooter

2008-06-13T00:03:00.004-05:00

Pics by Andy Grund

220 - Lo-Fi Video

2008-06-02T11:26:00.005-05:00

The first video was just finished as a commission for The Walker Art Center for a project they are connected to entitled, I Approve This Message. Carolyn and Mallman wrote the music, and I shot and edited it. They are taking video submissions, check it all out at The UnConvention.com.

The second video was a fun attempt at a contest for Lipton Ice Tea. They were giving away $25,000, which we didn't get. I understand, because all most all of the other videos were pretty simple. We had fun making it with the same crew as the first video.

219 - Seeing Red

2008-04-01T21:29:00.015-05:00

The RED camera in all it's glory. I was the first to shoot with #13, from Cinequipt's rental package. Exciting...well, if you're a camera nerd. It was supplementarity images for a Target ad, being done by Motion 504.

Yes, it is nice. But it would also be great if they had the viewfinder and AC adapter for it ready. The fan was much louder than I expected and it seems odd to have all the ports exposed, but I am sure that those Red people have lots further plans. One other odd thing. If you don't use the RED batteries the camera will shut off without warning (except the monitor will turn off a minute or so before the camera will) and it is possible to lose clips.

Don't tell anyone that we ended the day by shooting lens flares. The chip was not overloaded by doing this, btw.

218 - Ramona Darling

2008-03-14T22:54:00.003-05:00

217 - Dopple Darin

2008-03-14T11:57:00.004-05:00

216 - WebPics

2008-03-03T23:22:00.003-06:00

I recently shot some stills for a company called PRODUCTIVE. Above is a pic from those, of Louie, who works there.
I made myself use all small speedlights, or flashes. I am used to hot lights (as in movie lights) but am trying to do more with my smaller strobes. Anybody want to buy my larger studio strobes?
Most of my images are being used for the banners at the top of the page. Warning, there are a few shots on the site which are not mine.

215- Kid D.

2008-03-02T11:17:00.004-06:00

Kid D, himself.

A while ago, about a month or two now, I shot a music video for Kid Dakota. I wanted to post some pictures and was hoping that post would be done by now. It is not, but here they are anyways. Also, if you want to see the video before it is color corrected, timed and maybe without a few more effects, checkout;
Stars.

214 - It Has To Stop

2008-02-16T23:34:00.005-06:00

So last friday I shoot this spot for a local production company. The guy in the middle of this photo is the director, Andy Awes. But this blog post isn't about the great job I did, or how amazing I am sure it will turn out, it is about what is happening in the background of the photo.

Do you see the guy in the brown shirt? His name is Ben Kruger, and he has a problem. You see Ben has a job to do, on this shoot day he was suppose to be a helping us get the shot that you can see everyone else is hard at work on, and what is he doing?

Well, Ben is addicted to skateboarding. It HAS TO STOP! Ben, it is affecting your family, your friends, and work!

After the shoot was over I tried to bring talk to Ben about his addition, but the guy is in another world, here was his response...
"Oh snap, you shoulda seen it Webb, I was doin' an ollie as high 3 feet, then I leveled off my feet, giving a nudge with the front foot on the board so it spins 180 degrees.. then I use a rad little scoop motion with the back foot to make it spin easier ya see..."

I just had to walk away. I don't even think he noticed that I was gone because he was still talking as I left. Sad.

213 - Our Town, Our Video

2008-01-21T00:07:00.001-06:00

Don't watch this! Go here instead, it is 95% better looking!

212 - Can you beat my score?

2008-01-20T10:44:00.001-06:00

Here is a quick, semi-fun game. See if you can beat my high score.

211 - Another Music Video

2008-01-14T22:15:00.000-06:00

This weekend I shot a video for Kid Dakota. More on that soon. First, check out this write up from the CITY PAGES BLOG
about another music video that I shot earlier this summer for HIS MISCHIEF.

PS: No kids allowed

210 - Mallman New Years Show @ The Varsity

2008-01-11T21:00:00.001-06:00

In full form.

Kat on the Bass.

No one has ever played the keyboard with a scooter before this night.

209 - I Love Craigslist

2008-01-05T22:48:00.000-06:00

I did not make this up.

208 - Bird Weekend

2007-12-20T11:55:00.000-06:00

Last weekend I shot 2 shows, 2 rehearsals, and an interview for Andrew Bird. Here are a few shots that I managed to get off while shooting video as well.

Sundays' show at the Cedar Cultural Center.

From Friday or Saturdays show at The Guthrie

Jeremy Ylvisaker of Bird's band and of Alpha Consumer interviews Andrew.

207 - Trash Talk

2007-11-17T16:17:00.001-06:00

206 - Me or the pig?

2007-10-25T11:41:00.001-05:00

205 - That's the Spirit

2007-10-25T00:13:00.000-05:00

204 - AG Edwards

2007-10-21T08:45:00.000-05:00

Here are two frames from an AG EDWARDS commercial that I shot on 35mm. They were shot with the look of the previous spots in mind.
The action is a woman coming home from work, to the sound of cooking. She goes into the kitchen to find the EGG making dinner. She says, "I've got a gift for you", and pulls some oven mitts out of her bag, only to realize that he has no hands. An awkward moment insues.
Don't ask me how he was making dinner, without any hands, in the first place. It is comedy.

203 - Autumn Chairs

2007-10-20T23:20:00.003-05:00

202 - Strings

2007-10-20T00:29:00.001-05:00

201 - Sunglasses not included.

2007-10-17T08:48:00.000-05:00

Anyone who has taken a flight on Northwest has seen these Skymall
magazines. Here are a few of the wonderful, life-fulfilling items you can buy.

Who can live without this, I ask you, and at such a great price!

200 - Joe's new work rule:

2007-09-30T12:22:00.001-05:00

Only take jobs that shoot within 20 feet of his bed.

199- Hammertime

2007-09-29T06:16:00.001-05:00

Check out what ad was placed with this nice story about domestic bliss, no photoshopping needed:

198 - Stone

2007-09-22T23:52:00.001-05:00

197 - In Napa Valley

2007-09-17T11:55:00.000-05:00

196 - Fellow Co-Worker Disgraced

2007-09-05T09:55:00.001-05:00

195 - Wait, not at the camera Carl!

2007-08-31T21:27:00.000-05:00

194 - Hey Buddy

2007-08-23T10:45:00.001-05:00

193 - Bug in Napa

2007-08-20T16:11:00.000-05:00

192 - What have I gotten myself into?

2007-08-05T12:33:00.001-05:00

While getting ready for her first photo shoot.

191 - Recent Mallman

2007-07-28T11:55:00.000-05:00

190 - Where does the time go, well it's funny that you should ask.

2007-07-20T23:33:00.000-05:00

189 - Truth about Todd

2007-07-07T13:09:00.000-05:00

Many people that we work with wonder about Todd C's darkside. It has been a mystery to us all for years. Well, last night that mystery came a step closer to being solved. I was in a place that I cannot give details of, for if they find out I don't want to even think about what may happen. Let these pictures speak of my discoveries and of my hope that soon, the entire truth will be able to be told at long last.

I believe that the implications of this discovery will have a hugh ripple effect among the Twin Cites film community.

188 - Crazy Van

2007-07-01T12:33:00.001-05:00

So - Over the last few years I have bought a lot of film/video gear. I have used most of it on many jobs, each time loading up the pickup truck and unloading it when the job is done. That is getting old, and it is time to upgrade to a small van. Here is my dilemma. Do I go 100% practical and professional (ie:boring) van, or do I have fun in the process and risk the professionalism? If the answer is the latter, then I have found the van for me. It will have to be altered, but wow, take a look:

A 1977 Dodge Tradesman with too many crazy added features to mention them all. Some of them would have to be altered or removed for this van to serve me, but others may not. Besides the crazy added lighting (hey, I am into lighting) there is a sound system that is almost twice the safe level for human ears. I never have liked a car pulling along side me with a loud system, but if I bought this I could blast some polka music, or something equally as nuts, back at those people!

If that's not enough - look at this crazy VIDEO of the van.
Ya, probably too much, huh?

187 - Odd Again

2007-06-17T23:36:00.001-05:00

186 - New Beatles Artwork Found!

2007-05-15T22:53:00.000-05:00

185 - So is this

2007-05-15T11:05:00.000-05:00

184 - This is America

2007-05-13T10:48:00.000-05:00

Mr.T Knows Best

2007-05-05T12:28:00.000-05:00

182 - They MUST be stopped!

2007-05-05T09:47:00.001-05:00

181 - BenBear

2007-05-04T22:18:00.000-05:00

180 - Cavity Creeps

2007-04-19T21:50:00.000-05:00

179 -The Truth about Cole

2007-04-08T22:01:00.001-05:00

178 - Kendell

2007-04-06T10:48:00.000-05:00

177 - Place

2007-04-06T09:50:00.000-05:00

176 - Small Talk in LA

2007-03-30T08:14:00.000-05:00

175 - Passing Though

2007-03-21T07:58:00.000-05:00

174 - Amazing

2007-03-19T17:36:00.000-05:00

Ok, so you are not going to believe this, but it is 100% true. I was looking at the Minneapolis Star and Tribune paper online, and came across this news-story. It is not just the story that is amazing, but the picture that is in the advertisement to the side, that was on the same page! Click to enlarge.

You can read the whole story here .
The picture must rotate, because when I checked back, it wasn't there. I swear, I DIDN'T MAKE IT UP!

172 - Star Tribune - Blurb about DWD

2007-03-16T10:30:00.000-05:00

Taking in the trash

Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez celebrate cheap exploitation flicks in their upcoming feature "Grindhouse" -- and what says cheap exploitation better than getting wannabe filmmakers to promote the movie with a contest for the best fake trailer? Hundreds rose to the bait, but "The Dead Won't Die," by local director Todd Cobery and producer Brady Kiernan, made the final three, which Rodriguez screened Sunday at the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin, Texas. Their hilariously gruesome zombie short didn't win, but they did get passes to the film's L.A. premiere, plus a tour of Rodriguez' studios hosted by his wife/producer, Elizabeth Avellan. "That was the coolest," said Kiernan, who said animators showed how Rose McGowan's soon-to-be-famous prosthetic machine-gun leg was added digitally. "The Dead Won't Die" has gotten 20,000 views on YouTube (check it out at www.startribune.com/a2449 if you dare). Kiernan said he and Cobery are now raising money to turn it into a full-fledged feature.

TIM CAMPBELL

171 - Grindhouse

2007-03-11T10:40:00.000-05:00

Well, as of last week I have learned that the fake Grindhouse trailer, Dead Won't Die ,that I shot, is one of three chosen from hundreds to be shown at the SXSW film event, picked by and hosted by Robert Rodriguez . In fact, that event is happening right now, as I write this.

This morning, Todd C , Brady K., and Brian W. (director, producer, and sound man/grip) are being given a tour of Mr.Rodriguez's studio , Troublemaker Studios, as part of the award.
Lot's of local people worked on this in the cold, for no money, and they are all great, thank-you all! This is an honor to all your hard work.

Why didn't I go too? Good question. Here is another few stills from the making of DWD.

Sam - The Actor and Editor

Me - It was well below zero degrees

Mark Mallman - Actor and wrote the soundtrack

170 - FedEx

2007-03-09T11:01:00.000-06:00

Snowmobiler from WAY back...

2007-03-05T09:17:00.000-06:00

169- JPG

2007-02-28T15:24:00.000-06:00

Hey there, it's been a while, huh? I just found out that I've gotten a picture into JPG Magazine . It is not the issue featured in this picture, but the upcoming #9 issue. It is the photo of the firemen that I posted on 11/28/06 . Check out their site and post your own photos for submission!

168 - What the?

2007-02-19T23:58:00.000-06:00

165 - Pins

2007-02-13T12:06:00.000-06:00

164 - I am that Zombie

2007-02-05T22:49:00.000-06:00

This is what I feel like after 3 VERY long days of shooting a zombie trailer. More explanation and pics to follow.

163 - Zombie Myspace

2007-02-01T12:46:00.000-06:00

It's crazy. The video that I shot last year (or was it 05?), called ZOMBIE DODGEBALL- directed by Todd C ., somehow got on the front page of myspace today.
So far it has been viewed 45895 times. Funny thing is, it is without ANY credits. That's ok I guess, because we shot it really quick, with very little help and it is ok, but nothing amazing by any measure.