Here's are two quick, easy and painless suggestions:
a.) keep the lady's narration -- IMHO her cool, Euro accent is the best part of the clip!
b.) send one of the units out to a pro shooter -- Mattias, Nigel, or Roger -- and have them play around with it for two weeks and come up with some good promo footage. Put that on your site, not any horrid Pro 8mm stock footage that doesn't promote your product very well.
THAT WOULD SOLVE THIS ENTIRE PROBLEM!
The Supermag 400 is now ready!
Moderator: Andreas Wideroe
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ericMartinJarvies
- Senior member
- Posts: 1274
- Joined: Mon Mar 03, 2003 2:26 am
- Location: cabo san lucas, bcs, mexico
- Contact:
dave,
i assume your financial situation is not in the best condition, and the associated stresses with research and development whilst being underfunded is no doubt a tough an uphill hike. stress stress stress. i feel your pain dave. but at least your creation is at the stage it is ... you've done very well considering what you have had to work with ... perhaps as well as could be expected by anyone(including some outspoken folks on this site like me ;)
if you are not able ot do more testing as a result of not having the money to do so, then i would be willing to help you out with some carts of film ... i could order them online and have them shipped to you(8 carts=400'). if you do not have the money for processing, i would be willing to cover that nut as well ... providing you locate the best priced film and processing available that will yield satisfactory results. regarding transfer to digital, i could provide a high res transfer for you and ftp the resulting quicktime movies in hd, pal/ntsc. oh, i could also send you a test registration chart.
i do not have time for anymore projects, but i can afford to get you some film. i would make some suggestions as it relates to using the film and what/how to shoot(take with a grain of salt, and note it is what i would do ... which certainly does not mean it is what you should do, or that it is the right thing to do):
1. setup registration test chart on wall. setup s8 camera on tripod or fixed mount(so it will not move or vibrate, and so you can remove / replace supermag without it moving). once tripod/camera is setup, leave it there and do NOT move it during the entire film test process.
2. shoot some footage of the test chart with your s8 camera(50' cart). this will determine the charactoristics of your particular camera. if any scratching, fogging, weaving/registration problems exist/occur, then this footage will substantiate this fact, and allow you to determine the supermag faults independant of the camera and it's own faults.
3. shoot some footage of the test with the same camera with your supermag loaded with 400' of film. like the above test without the mag, repeat your shots in both time and context/framing/focal lenghts/etc.
4. make sure the test chart is PROPERLY lit, so there is plenty of contrast, and so the black l9ines are not washed out by lighting, and so the camera is positioned accordingly so it is not too far(closer is better). if you have a digital camera, take and set it to manual and attempt to emulate your s8mm film camera as closely as possible(shutter speed/f-stop) snap some photos and see how they look. if they look good, then shot some film ... the last thing you want to end up with is more test film that is useless. if you are not confident, then take and document a range of f-stop settings and shot some footage under each setting, then change the lighting or camera position in relation to the chart and do those all over again, so worst case scenerio you end up with at least one setup/shoot that is properly exposed and will work/serve the purpose.
5. once the test chart shots are completed, take and film your supermag. if you have two of them, then use one for filming and the other for the demonstration object. if possible, create a small table top platform that turns 360 degrees and is big enough to sit your supermag onto. without moving the supermag, take and turn the platform 45 degrees, shot film, and more anoth 45 degrees and shot more film, and do this until you have all sides filmed. remember, rotate the platform, then film the supermag as it sits stationary. this will allow you to make a clean movie, as well as allow you to create clean still images for use in your promo literature. do the same thing for close up shots of the specific componants ... move the camera closer or zoom in, and then repeat the above process.
6. now shoot some live action footage, where the subjects/objects ARE moving, while making sure to keep the camera stationary on it's tripod. if you film subjects/objects that would show their relative position in front of buildings or straight lines, then that would serve to show registration on real footage ... which then you have to add to the test chart footage.
7. if you have two cameras and 2 supermags, take and film one of the supermags being used. show how the operator is holding the camera with the supermag on it. show how the user loads the film, installs the supermag onto the camera, handles/holds the caemra, etc. again, make sure the shooting camera is stationary and do not move it, and then person and camera with supermag that is in scene, should be in scene in a FIXED position ... so place some 'x' marks on the floor for your subject/actor, and have him/her rehearse taking the camera where it sits, to the filming position, etc. when showing the loading process, use the turntable again ... and make sure the supermag is in the same relative position, so as it is being loaded with film, the supermag remains where it is, and the film and elements being added/seen in frame, will be what is demonstrating the action. this places all focus on the supermag, instead of on camera movements, etc.
8. shoot all 400' of film at a park or place with lots of action and movement in and out of frame. record sound seperatly. this way you have a complete uninterupted 400' scene with sound. i will need to send you an extra 2 or 3 carts to do this plus the other shots.
9. ignore above advice, and shot it as you see fit ... i'll still give you the film unconditionally
progress!!
eric
i assume your financial situation is not in the best condition, and the associated stresses with research and development whilst being underfunded is no doubt a tough an uphill hike. stress stress stress. i feel your pain dave. but at least your creation is at the stage it is ... you've done very well considering what you have had to work with ... perhaps as well as could be expected by anyone(including some outspoken folks on this site like me ;)
if you are not able ot do more testing as a result of not having the money to do so, then i would be willing to help you out with some carts of film ... i could order them online and have them shipped to you(8 carts=400'). if you do not have the money for processing, i would be willing to cover that nut as well ... providing you locate the best priced film and processing available that will yield satisfactory results. regarding transfer to digital, i could provide a high res transfer for you and ftp the resulting quicktime movies in hd, pal/ntsc. oh, i could also send you a test registration chart.
i do not have time for anymore projects, but i can afford to get you some film. i would make some suggestions as it relates to using the film and what/how to shoot(take with a grain of salt, and note it is what i would do ... which certainly does not mean it is what you should do, or that it is the right thing to do):
1. setup registration test chart on wall. setup s8 camera on tripod or fixed mount(so it will not move or vibrate, and so you can remove / replace supermag without it moving). once tripod/camera is setup, leave it there and do NOT move it during the entire film test process.
2. shoot some footage of the test chart with your s8 camera(50' cart). this will determine the charactoristics of your particular camera. if any scratching, fogging, weaving/registration problems exist/occur, then this footage will substantiate this fact, and allow you to determine the supermag faults independant of the camera and it's own faults.
3. shoot some footage of the test with the same camera with your supermag loaded with 400' of film. like the above test without the mag, repeat your shots in both time and context/framing/focal lenghts/etc.
4. make sure the test chart is PROPERLY lit, so there is plenty of contrast, and so the black l9ines are not washed out by lighting, and so the camera is positioned accordingly so it is not too far(closer is better). if you have a digital camera, take and set it to manual and attempt to emulate your s8mm film camera as closely as possible(shutter speed/f-stop) snap some photos and see how they look. if they look good, then shot some film ... the last thing you want to end up with is more test film that is useless. if you are not confident, then take and document a range of f-stop settings and shot some footage under each setting, then change the lighting or camera position in relation to the chart and do those all over again, so worst case scenerio you end up with at least one setup/shoot that is properly exposed and will work/serve the purpose.
5. once the test chart shots are completed, take and film your supermag. if you have two of them, then use one for filming and the other for the demonstration object. if possible, create a small table top platform that turns 360 degrees and is big enough to sit your supermag onto. without moving the supermag, take and turn the platform 45 degrees, shot film, and more anoth 45 degrees and shot more film, and do this until you have all sides filmed. remember, rotate the platform, then film the supermag as it sits stationary. this will allow you to make a clean movie, as well as allow you to create clean still images for use in your promo literature. do the same thing for close up shots of the specific componants ... move the camera closer or zoom in, and then repeat the above process.
6. now shoot some live action footage, where the subjects/objects ARE moving, while making sure to keep the camera stationary on it's tripod. if you film subjects/objects that would show their relative position in front of buildings or straight lines, then that would serve to show registration on real footage ... which then you have to add to the test chart footage.
7. if you have two cameras and 2 supermags, take and film one of the supermags being used. show how the operator is holding the camera with the supermag on it. show how the user loads the film, installs the supermag onto the camera, handles/holds the caemra, etc. again, make sure the shooting camera is stationary and do not move it, and then person and camera with supermag that is in scene, should be in scene in a FIXED position ... so place some 'x' marks on the floor for your subject/actor, and have him/her rehearse taking the camera where it sits, to the filming position, etc. when showing the loading process, use the turntable again ... and make sure the supermag is in the same relative position, so as it is being loaded with film, the supermag remains where it is, and the film and elements being added/seen in frame, will be what is demonstrating the action. this places all focus on the supermag, instead of on camera movements, etc.
8. shoot all 400' of film at a park or place with lots of action and movement in and out of frame. record sound seperatly. this way you have a complete uninterupted 400' scene with sound. i will need to send you an extra 2 or 3 carts to do this plus the other shots.
9. ignore above advice, and shot it as you see fit ... i'll still give you the film unconditionally
progress!!
eric
eric martin jarvies
#7 avenido jarvies
pueblo viejo
cabo san lucas, baja california sur. mexico
cp 23410
044 624 141 9661
#7 avenido jarvies
pueblo viejo
cabo san lucas, baja california sur. mexico
cp 23410
044 624 141 9661
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Uppsala BildTeknik
- Senior member
- Posts: 2261
- Joined: Thu Jun 24, 2004 7:20 am
- Location: Sweden, Alunda
- Contact:
Now that is really a good idea, it would be much easier for people to buy film, and the suppliers would be selling their films to most people who buy the mag!Another suggestion would be to make sure Andec, Kahl, Wittner and others have those 400ft spools for use with the mag. The can sell the film stock on the spools with a refund when returned for processing.
Kent Kumpula - Uppsala Bildteknik AB
http://www.uppsalabildteknik.com/
http://www.uppsalabildteknik.com/english/
http://www.uppsalabildteknik.com/
http://www.uppsalabildteknik.com/english/
Maybe, but if you're actually from the UK the novelty of the accent doesn't apply + it just sounds like a pretty unprofessional voiceover.a.) keep the lady's narration -- IMHO her cool, Euro accent is the best part of the clip!
Anyway, I'm really impressed by the potential of this device, hope you'll take on board some of the suggestions posted here + have great success making + selling them! (and hopefully I'll be able to afford to buy one one day!
Tim Drage
films - http:///www.spiteyourface.com
noise - http://www.cementimental.com
"It's cheaper to shoot someone with a gun than a film camera." - amishman35
films - http:///www.spiteyourface.com
noise - http://www.cementimental.com
"It's cheaper to shoot someone with a gun than a film camera." - amishman35
-
supermag400_inventor
- Posts: 318
- Joined: Wed Dec 15, 2004 7:29 am
- Location: Phoenix, Arizona
- Contact:
Suggestions
I appreciate your comments and suggestions about how to approach this project. As for the narration on the clip. That was my girlfriend's voice and she's ticked off that everyone thinks she sounds unprofessional. I calmed her down...and then ran. Its my fault. I asked her to help me. I should of had my friend Marty who was a professional actor/radio anouncer to do it. He just couldn't make it.
The test clips were put up to show everyone that progress was occuring and not to show that the mag was ready. Those clips were just that "TESTS" and mark the projects progress only. Not the end results.
I will be continuing to shoot more clips. However, from now on, they will not be put on the site. I will not put any more clips or updates on the site until the Supermag is absolutely 100 % complete and ready. Then I will only provide those clips to those who request them by e-mail, and they will receive a DVD of all test footage.
As for Pro 8, if they had not helped me with the film, this project would be on the scrap heap. Phil Vigeant was very understanding and helpful with his input. They are just one of the companies interested in the Supermag so they can sell film. Wittner also wants to look at the mag. If they like it, they plan on selling it on their site as well.
The Supermag will be finished and it will be a good product. If it takes two weeks more or two months more, it will be on the market.
The test clips were put up to show everyone that progress was occuring and not to show that the mag was ready. Those clips were just that "TESTS" and mark the projects progress only. Not the end results.
I will be continuing to shoot more clips. However, from now on, they will not be put on the site. I will not put any more clips or updates on the site until the Supermag is absolutely 100 % complete and ready. Then I will only provide those clips to those who request them by e-mail, and they will receive a DVD of all test footage.
As for Pro 8, if they had not helped me with the film, this project would be on the scrap heap. Phil Vigeant was very understanding and helpful with his input. They are just one of the companies interested in the Supermag so they can sell film. Wittner also wants to look at the mag. If they like it, they plan on selling it on their site as well.
The Supermag will be finished and it will be a good product. If it takes two weeks more or two months more, it will be on the market.
'-
supermag400_inventor
- Posts: 318
- Joined: Wed Dec 15, 2004 7:29 am
- Location: Phoenix, Arizona
- Contact:
FILM
For those of you who do not want to deal with companies like Pro 8 for film to use in the Supermag 400 when it comes out. I thought I'd let you know that I plan on supplying Pre-loaded Supermag Daylight Disks, loaded with Kodachrome 40 silent film and also negative film stocks.
There is talk about sound stripping it also. That has to be worked out with Justin Miller in San Francisco. He has a stripping machine and plans to give it a try.
This may or may not hapen. But it's my plan.
There is talk about sound stripping it also. That has to be worked out with Justin Miller in San Francisco. He has a stripping machine and plans to give it a try.
This may or may not hapen. But it's my plan.
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Uppsala BildTeknik
- Senior member
- Posts: 2261
- Joined: Thu Jun 24, 2004 7:20 am
- Location: Sweden, Alunda
- Contact:
WHY, WHY, WHY????I will be continuing to shoot more clips. However, from now on, they will not be put on the site. I will not put any more clips or updates on the site until the Supermag is absolutely 100 % complete and ready. Then I will only provide those clips to those who request them by e-mail, and they will receive a DVD of all test footage.
This is really the most stupid thing I have read, I never thought that anyone could be so ....stupid!
You would sell MORE mag´s for sure if you took away the SHIT FILMS that you have, and took away the "ALL MAG´S ARE EXPERIMENTAL", but maybe you will sell enough anyway, I don´t know.
Look, not that I really care, why should I? But it seems so unnecessary to just keep on banging your head in the wall when you have gotten so much GOOD ADVICE that you just can´t take.
Please don´t get mad and take offence, just think about it, don´t you want to sell as many mag´s as possible? Don´t you want to make your product look good?
Well it doesent look good as it is now, and I don´t even care if it is good, I´m just saying that it doesen´t LOOK good. And people that find your site and see the shit-films and read your experimental stuff will not think too good of your product. Sure some willorder a DVD and see the good results but some will not even bother.
Can you yourself even think of one good reason why not replace your shit-films on your website with good films????????????? :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:
And don´t tell me you are going to put all of your test films on the DVD? Don´t show your test films from earlier prototypes to anyone, WHY? THEY HAVE NO NEED OR USE OF SEEING FILMS SHOT WITH EARLIER PROTOTYPES!!!!
IF YOU KNOW NOTHING OF HOW TO SELL A PRODUCT, AT LEAST TRY TO LEARN!!! I´M JUST TRYING TO HELP YOU SELL MORE MAG´S!!!!
I can´t believe this guy! :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:
Kent Kumpula - Uppsala Bildteknik AB
http://www.uppsalabildteknik.com/
http://www.uppsalabildteknik.com/english/
http://www.uppsalabildteknik.com/
http://www.uppsalabildteknik.com/english/
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matt5791
- Senior member
- Posts: 1062
- Joined: Sat Nov 22, 2003 2:46 pm
- Location: Birmingham, England
- Contact:
No offence intended about your girlfriends voice over - I'm not doubting her capabilities, it is just that I think it needed practicing.
Just needs polishing.
Matt
On second thoughts mabey the accent is a good idea in view of the fact that most of your units will probably be sold outside the UK.a.) keep the lady's narration -- IMHO her cool, Euro accent is the best part of the clip!
Just needs polishing.
Matt
Birmingham UK.
http://www.wells-photography.co.uk
Avatar: Kenneth Moore (left) with producers (centre) discussing forthcoming film to be financed by my grandfather (right) C.1962
http://www.wells-photography.co.uk
Avatar: Kenneth Moore (left) with producers (centre) discussing forthcoming film to be financed by my grandfather (right) C.1962
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aj
- Senior member
- Posts: 3557
- Joined: Thu Oct 02, 2003 1:15 pm
- Real name: Andre
- Location: Netherlands
- Contact:
Some marketing
Now the website is closed until further notice. I just pointed it out to an interested friend. How many feet can one shoot (idiom; with a gun, not a camera) of one's himselves?
Just a minor textual clean up and dropping the testmovie links for a while should have been enough. Now there is nothing.
Some marketing.
Just a minor textual clean up and dropping the testmovie links for a while should have been enough. Now there is nothing.
Some marketing.
Kind regards,
André
André
About the clips
C'mon... these people are giving you honest and cincere advice, you really should listen to them. I have a dayjob in commercial post production and one of the things I've learned that you should never, I mean never put anything on your website or showreel that isn't absolutely the best stuff you can do. You have only one chance to give the first impression, and in this case the damage is allready done. Peoples honest feedback and good advice tells about anticipation and good will about your product and your effort to make someting special like the supermag. Sometimes it is hard to see behind the pictures and in supermag's website what you see is the most horrible product demos I've ever seen. It is just impossible to believe that your actual product is what you promise when what I see on the website tell's me differently. Sorry.
Re: Some marketing
Hey, don't be too harsh... we all suggested changes, and now he's presumably changing stuff!aj wrote:Just a minor textual clean up and dropping the testmovie links for a while should have been enough. Now there is nothing.
:lol: Sorry, nothing personal!I calmed her down...and then ran.
Tim Drage
films - http:///www.spiteyourface.com
noise - http://www.cementimental.com
"It's cheaper to shoot someone with a gun than a film camera." - amishman35
films - http:///www.spiteyourface.com
noise - http://www.cementimental.com
"It's cheaper to shoot someone with a gun than a film camera." - amishman35
-
supermag400_inventor
- Posts: 318
- Joined: Wed Dec 15, 2004 7:29 am
- Location: Phoenix, Arizona
- Contact:
YOU REPLIES
YOU PEOPLE ARE UNBELIEVABLE!!!!! .... I took the web site down because you suggested it be revampt. So I am changing it. I've changed my policy on the warranty and extended it. And instead of the bad videos I will only put out good stuff on the web site along with a promotional DVD. AS YOU SUGGESTED!!!! Along with a complete Brochure of the products. But obviously your all to stupid to see that! I have to do it myself, I don't have a webmaster to do it for me.
I've got lots of potential customers, so if I loose a few to this forum, I'm not going to cry about it. It would be your loss not mine. When the mags do prove to be a good deal, your going to wonder why you were so slow to see it.
I'm not sure you'dl all know how to use a magazine if you had one. Perhaps I'm in the wrong place. I should stay out of this forum all together and let you just guess what's going on.
Sorry to sound so negative about your comments, but it's very discouraging to have you all stomp on my grave when I'm not dead yet. This thing is taking time to perfect.....cut me some slack. Unless you want to go to 16 mm or video for the flexability that this magazine will give to super 8, then I suggest you be more supportive and not so critical.
I've got lots of potential customers, so if I loose a few to this forum, I'm not going to cry about it. It would be your loss not mine. When the mags do prove to be a good deal, your going to wonder why you were so slow to see it.
I'm not sure you'dl all know how to use a magazine if you had one. Perhaps I'm in the wrong place. I should stay out of this forum all together and let you just guess what's going on.
Sorry to sound so negative about your comments, but it's very discouraging to have you all stomp on my grave when I'm not dead yet. This thing is taking time to perfect.....cut me some slack. Unless you want to go to 16 mm or video for the flexability that this magazine will give to super 8, then I suggest you be more supportive and not so critical.