Unity Studios in Allen Park

Part 2



Part 3



A movie producer promising 3,000 jobs and almost $150 million in investments. A downriver city eager to reinvent itself, and hungry for economic development. It seemed like a match made in Hollywood, but as Action News Investigator Heather Catallo tells us, this is a story that’s not following a script. Take a few minutes to watch the clip from Channel 7 News WXYZ and tell me what you think. Does this damage the film industry's reputation in Michigan? How did this situation get so out of control? Would you attend a film school that is so new it hasn't established its credentials?

I did an online search for any information on Lifton Institute for Media Skills and came up with little other than the school's website which didn't provide any tuition rate information and a comment that was left under the Oakland Press article:

Jimmy Lifton as well as all the other "film schools" that have mysteriously popped up in the last 2 years are just a bunch of scam artists. They use Michigan WORKS! tax payer dollars to line their pockets.
Jimmy Lifton charges up to $12,000 a class for "film training"- you will never see a true film camera in his classes- you will never be taught by an industry professional. He holds his "classes" in beat up abandoned automotive office space with free rental equipment that he has borrowed from local rental houses- the gaff house and william f white.
He is stealing power from the plant next door, clearly a fire hazard as well as thievery. (please investigate if you have the means)
only saving grace...
You will make a short video on a prosumer digi camera starring JIM LIFTONS DAUGHTER!!!- hope its worth 12 grand!

I'd love to hear your comments on this issue. How did you react to the news story?

The Arcade Fire Music Video

Click here for the Wilderness Downtown Video

When we had a visit from some representatives of Specs Howard School of Digital Media, one of the reps, Jason pointed out this incredible, interactive, new music video from the band Arcade Fire. Users can enter their home address and see video of their street incorporated into the music video. We tried this in class using the school's address and it was pretty impressive.
In order for the video to work you must download Google Chrome as your web browser. This idea links marketing with music, and it is not the first time this has been done. Click here to download Google Chrome.
What do you think about this? Jason mentioned in class that next you will be able to take your own picture, and put yourself in a music video. Where do you think this technology is headed? What did you think about the images you saw of your own house using Google Earth? Where does individual privacy end? I'd love to hear your comments after viewing this video. Remember to include your full name...

Film Company Eyes Warren for New Studio

This H.B. Stubbs Company building may soon be home to film and television production. Macomb Daily staff photo by Ray J. Skowronek

A Los Angeles based movie and television company plans to open a studio in Warren, a nearly $22 million project expected to create 350 jobs within 6 months.

Krane Media is scheduled to produce five feature films annually, and each will have a crew between 125 and 135 members, according to documents filed with the city.

Through the H.B. Stubbs Company’s building, Krane Media will ask the Warren City Council to create an Industrial Development District at the 272,000-square-foot facility at Mound and 11 Mile Road.

Krane Media was founded by chairman and CEO Jonathan D. Krane, who has produced full-length feature films for more than 35 years. Among his films, Krane was executive producer on “Face/Off,” a 1997 film starring John Travolta and Nicholas Cage; and producer on “Swordfish” (2001) and “Look Who’s Talking” (1989).

According to Warren city records, an estimated $13.6 million would be spent on film production equipment and office furnishing.

Another $8.1 million would go toward construction of production and other areas, including two green rooms estimated at $250,000 each; a cafeteria extension and “private dining area for stars” valued at $750,000; and a guard house and landscaping at $500,000.

What do you think about this new venture? How will this impact you? What direction do you see film production in Michigan headed? Leave your comments and include your full name for class credit.

Fitzgerald HS Graduate featured in Football Movie

Scott Gajos, who graduated from Fitzgerald High School in 2003, will work alongside Kurt Russell in his upcoming football movie titled "Touchback", which will be filmed near Grand Rapids.

Two former Western Michigan football players will be getting a taste of Hollywood this month, albeit in Coopersville, Mich. Walk-ons Tim Balice and Scott Gajos have been cast in the movie "Touchback", starring Kurt Russell. Balice, a punter, holder and receiver at WMU from 2006-09, will play a player on Team Coldwater, coached by Russell's character, along with Kalamazoo College defensive back Adam Powers.

Gajos, a linebacker from 2005-08, is cast on Team Cuyohoga.

The football scenes are scheduled to be shot at Coopersville High School. Those interested in being film extras can e-mail the Touchback extras coordinator for more information at: touchbackextras@gmail.com.

Here is a complete list of the two team rosters:
TEAM COLDWATER: Coached by “Coach Hand”, played by Kurt Russell

Ryan McManus from Stow, OH and played at Wake Forest
Stephen Wasil from Commerce Twp, MI and played at Grand Valley State
Jacob McGuckin from Grand Rapids, MI and played at Grand Valley State
Chris McKinney from Lawrenceville, GA and played at NC State and Arena football
Timothy Balice from Kalamazoo, MI and played at Western Michigan
Everett Stephenson from Detroit, MI and played at Wayne State
Jeff Hachigian from Macomb, MI
Dennis Rutka from Marne, MI and played at Coopersville High School
Andre Benjamin from Grand Rapids, MI
Dwayne Holmes from Van Buren Twp., MI and played at Michigan State
Mike Sheldon from Royal Oak, MI and played at Albion College
Matthew Carter from Allendale, MI and played at Allendale High School
Michael Simon from Kentwood, MI and played at Grand Rapids Community College
Jordan Havercamp from Nobleville, IN and played at DePauw
Thomas Bissett from Jenison, MI
Josh Lanser from Jenison, MI and played at Hope College
John Preston from Newaygo, MI and played at Ferris State
Mitch Cummings from Big Rapids, MI
Adam Dekyger from Fremont, MI
Kevin Shurlow from Lakeview, MI
Quentin Sweat from Grand Rapids, MI
Beau Hoffman from Chesaning, MI
Aaron Higginbottom from Detroit, MI and played at Wayne State
Adam Powers from Plymouth, MI and played at Kalamazoo College
Matt Anderson from Grand Rapids, MI and played at Hope College

TEAM CUYAHOGA: “Cuyahoga Coach”, played by Mark Ellis

Bernard Faithful from Detroit, MI and played at the University of Toledo
Jake Visser from Grand Rapids, MI, played at Coopersville High School and Ferris State
Philepae Phillips from Grand Rapids, MI, played at Grand Rapids Community College
Tyler Moore from Comstock Park, MI and played at Purdue
Scott Gajos from Kalamazoo, MI and played at Western Michigan University
Zach Nichols from Brighton, MI and played at Northern Michigan University
Jason Kelly from Auburn, MI and played at Saginaw Valley State University
Blake Smolen from Grand Rapids, MI and played at Grand Valley State
Matt Flutur from Allendale, MI and played at Grand Valley State
Ryan Sloth from Greenfield, IA and played at Iowa State University
Daryl Graham from Detroit, MI and played at Wayne State University
Brian Grysen from Hudsonville, MI and played at Elmhurst College
Justin Trumble from Macomb, MI and played at Grand Valley State

Construction on New Studio

Oakland County welcomes Raleigh Michigan Studios. This is part 1 of a time lapse video showing the construction of studio located in Pontiac MI.
The booming film industry in Michigan is providing jobs, and economic growth to our state. Watch the timelapse video of the construction on this new studio and let me know what you think. What does this mean to you? What opportunities might this provide, or how might you benefit from a new studio in Pontiac? Look for more updates throughout the year!

Micro Sculptures

I stumbled upon this blog article, and thought it was so cool. Not necessarily TV/Video or Broadcasting related, but the art can certainly be appreciated. What patience it must take to create these micro sculptures all on the tip of a pencil! Would you have that kind of tenacity? Or attention span?


Brazilian born, Connecticut based, Dalton Ghetti carefully crafts the tips of pencils into amazing micro sculptures. These miniature masterpieces are a side project for the professional carpenter, who has been perfecting this art for the last 25 years. Dalton uses a razor blade, sewing needle, a sculpting knife, a steady hand and lots of patience to meticulously carve the graphite which can take anywhere between a few months to a few years. Over time he has broken many works in progress and keeps them in what he calls the cemetery collection. One of the most fascinating things about these tiny works of art is that he has never sold them, only given away to friends as gifts.

Check out the pictures, and click the link to learn more about Dalton Ghetti.

When it comes down to it, it's all about attitude, isn't it? Check out what Dalton had to say: When Dalton, from Connecticut, USA, first started he would become frustrated when a piece would break before being finished after he had spent months working on it. He said: “It would drive me mad when I would be just a bit too heavy handed and the pencil’s tip would break. I would get very nervous sometimes, particularly when the piece was almost finished, and then I would make a mistake. I decided to change the way I thought about the work – when I started a new piece my attitude would be ‘well this will break eventually but let’s see how far I get. It helped me break fewer pencils, and although I still do break them, it’s not as often”.

Let me know what you think. How has your attitude helped you accomplish things? What can be said about his patience, precision and attention to detail? How can you relate?

Johnny Knoxville Films Detroit Documentary

Trailer for Video:


Full Video:


Article Online: Luxist.com
Video Online: Palladium Boots

Johnny Knoxville leads a team into Detroit, in hopes of capturing what is currently working in a city that so many have abandoned. Rather than concentrate on the negative of Detroit, Johnny's team is looking for the artistic talent that is the heartbeat of the city. In this short documentary, you can get to know some of the people who make Detroit work. Take a few minutes to check out the documentary, explore the website and get familiar with the project. After you've done that, click on the Comment button below and tell me what you think. Do you think that this film will raise awareness? What do you think the film is trying to say about Detroit? Would you add anything or cut anything from the film? Why? How did viewing this film make you feel? Was that what the producers intended? When you think about Detroit, what are some of the emotions that come to you? I'd love to hear back from you, make sure you include your full name in your post for credit.

Welcome Back!!

Welcome to the 2010 - 2011 school year at Fitzgerald High School!! As you may notice there are a few changes around here... most notably my new name! Miss Kelter is now Mrs. Smith - I'm sure it will be an adjustment, especially for those of you who have been in my classroom for the last few years, but just remember that I'm still getting used to it myself!

I'd like to take a moment to congratulate this year's senior class - last year your ACT and MME scores showed such improvement that you helped Fitzgerald to earn AYP in ALL subject areas - a tremendous achievement and you should all be very proud of yourselves! Juniors, you should know that we will hold you to the same high expectations and we will help to facilitate your experience just as fully. Great job guys!! You really "rocked the test"!!

This year I have a few goals for the TV Production and Broadcasting classes here at Fitzgerald. I wanted to share those goals with you, as you will be sharing your goals with me during our first few days of class.

1. Rework the Daily Announcements to better meet the needs of our school in a more appealing and effective way.

2. Effectively and creatively cover all events at Fitzgerald High School into an end of the year Video Yearbook.

3. Collaborate with the community on creative video and broadcasting projects.

4. Present a wide variety of post-secondary options featuring various aspect of digital media arts.

Now that you know where we are headed, I would love to hear from you! Please take a moment to consider the above 4 goals and what they might look like or sound like to you. Choose one goal that you think is the MOST important and tell me what you suggest in order to achieve that goal. Be specific, and descriptive in your responses. I am not looking for "sounds good Miss K - oops, Mrs. S" - I really want you to tell me what you can do to help us achieve this goal, and what you think we can do together. I definitely have my ideas for what I would like to do, but I know that I cannot do this by myself. In this case, as with in most cases, the more ideas we have the better! So, take a minute, leave a comment, and remember to include your FULL NAME...

I can't wait to see where our goals will take us!

Who needs a camera??

In Radiohead's video for "House of Cards", no cameras or lights were used. Instead, 3D plotting technologies collected information about the shapes and relative distances of objects. The video was created entirely with visualizations of that data. Two technologies were used to capture 3D images: Geometric Informatics and Velodyne LIDAR. Geometric Informatics scanning systems produce structured light to capture 3D images at close proximity, while a Velodyne Lidar system that uses multiple lasers is used to capture large environments such as landscapes. In this video, 64 lasers rotating and shooting in a 360 degree radius 900 times per minute produced all the exterior scenes.

Check out the video itself, then take a minute to watch the making of the video to see the behind the scenes work that went into this production. What are your thoughts on this new idea? How would you incorporate this into one of your videos?

Directed by James Frost
From the album IN RAINBOWS

The Video:



The Making of the Video:



Click here to explore data manipulation yourself...check it out!

Click here to find a YouTube group of people who have created their own Data Manipulation videos...submit your own if you're interested.

Professionalism

"So learn this as a first lesson about life. The only successful beings in any field, including living itself, are those who have a professional viewpoint and make themselves and ARE professionals" — L. Ron Hubbard

Over the past few days I've thought a lot about Professionalism. Why is professionalism so important? What should students learn about professionalism to prepare themselves for their futures? Are students willing to learn the importance of professionalism and how it affects them?

After a recent experience with a substitute teacher in my classroom, the lack of professionalism on the part of my students was astounding to me. As a filmmaker, there is nothing more important than your professionalism on the set. The way you portray yourself dictates how others will perceive you. I am at a loss as to why when I am out unexpectedly students lose all grasp of professionalism and literally run wild all over the school.

I am deeply upset by the behavior of my students, and I am at a loss as to what to do about it. Why would they assume that because I am not here, the rules do not apply? Why would they treat the expensive equipment so carelessly and actually cause damage to it? Do I really need to be physically present for the lessons I have taught to be imparted?

So I ask you, are you professional? Do you know what it means? Do you know why it is important? Have you thought about how difficult it will be for you to get a job in this economy, located in Southeast Michigan, just outside Detroit? Have you thought about how you will have to represent yourself as a professional who is a better person for the job than hundreds of others? Do you even realize that you are being prepared with important lessens that will help secure your future opportunities? Or is it just taken for granted?

Take a moment to consider the following, and consider your own professionalism:

A professional learns every aspect of the job. An amateur skips the learning process whenever possible.

A professional carefully discovers what is needed and wanted. An amateur assumes what others need and want.

A professional looks, speaks and dresses like a professional. An amateur is sloppy in appearance and speech.

A professional keeps his or her work area clean and orderly. An amateur has a messy, confused or dirty work area.

A professional is focused and clear-headed. An amateur is confused and distracted.

A professional does not let mistakes slide by. An amateur ignores or hides mistakes.

A professional jumps into difficult assignments. An amateur tries to get out of difficult work.

A professional completes projects as soon as possible. An amateur is surrounded by unfinished work piled on top of unfinished work.

A professional remains level-headed and optimistic. An amateur gets upset and assumes the worst.

A professional handles money and accounts very carefully. An amateur is sloppy with money or accounts.

A professional faces up to other people’s upsets and problems. An amateur avoids others’ problems.

A professional uses higher emotional tones: Enthusiasm, cheerfulness, interest, contentment. An amateur uses lower emotional tones: anger, hostility, resentment, fear, victim.

A professional persists until the objective is achieved. An amateur gives up at the first opportunity.

A professional produces more than expected. An amateur produces just enough to get by.

A professional produces a high-quality product or service. An amateur produces a medium-to-low quality product or service.

A professional earns high pay. An amateur earns low pay and feels it’s unfair.

A professional has a promising future. An amateur has an uncertain future.

The first step to making yourself a professional is to decide you ARE a professional.

Are you a professional?

Specs Howard Field Trip and Presentation

A HUGE Thank You to Specs Howard for putting together an incredible tour for the Advanced TV Production classes! Special Thanks to Renee Vitale and her staff! Another HUGE Thank You to Amber for coming to Fitzgerald High School on Friday March 12th to present to the Introduction to TV and Broadcast Speech classes!!

The Advanced TV class at Fitzgerald was the first group to tour Specs Howard's NEW campus in Farmington! We had the exciting chance to see a demonstration of a film dolly, and to tour the DE Power & Lighting facility next door! Check out some pictures!!

The Dolly::


The Super Light::


Scrim & Gel Demo



If you are interested in learning more about Specs Howard School of Media Arts, visit their website at http://specshoward.edu. This is the website that Amber showed you while she was here. You can also talk to me and I can put you in touch with the right people! I have had many students graduate from Fitzgerald and enter into the program at Specs Howard...and all have had a very positive experience! One of my graduates is even on the radio in Northern Michigan!

Those of you interested in TV Production, Broadcasting, Web Design, Graphic Design and the Film Industry should consider Specs Howard if you are looking for a school that is close to home and geared specifically to your field of study! One of the best incentives to consider the school is the fact that with a letter of recommendation from me, you can earn a $2500 scholarship! You can also take their scholarship tests and possibly earn a full ride to the school. We currently have one senior who is in the top 10 and will be taking part in a final interview next week! Remember, Specs Howard is a trade school, offering an 8 month or one year course of study. If you are planning on attending a 4-year University, go for it! But if you know you want to stay home and go right to work in the industry, Specs Howard might be a better choice for you!

As always, hard work pays off, and everyone has to start somewhere. The more opportunities you give yourself to network and experience the industry, the better you will do. Start volunteering and interning as soon as possible to get your foot in the door. Then put your best effort into being the employee that they can't do without!!

How do they DO that?

Have you ever wondered how exactly movies make actors appear bigger or smaller than they really are? Such as the Hobbits in the Lord of the Rings series? Well, its actually called Forced Perspective. It's all about tricking your depth perception! For example, this picture looks like it's a guy with a tiny wife! He appears to be dribbling her like a basketball!
Of course in real life there is no way one person could be that much bigger than the other person. It's all about Forced Perspective...

Leave your comments and let me know what you think! What other movies use this approach? Can you try and duplicate this on your next video project? Does this spark an ingenious ideas??? I look forward to hearing from you...

Center for Film Studies

Today representatives from the Center for Film Studies came to speak to our Advanced TV Production classes. The founder, Mort Meisner explained to students the value of attending a 4 year University over a technical trade school. He explained that the Center for Film Studies offers short workshops (most are only six weeks long) that are designed for people who know specifically what they want to do on a film set. Workshops include: Set Construction, Technical & Grip Work, Costume and Stage Makeup, and Production Assistance. For more information on the Center for Film Studies, visit their website, or contact the school at 248-545-2222.

A few things to keep in mind from today's presentation: any person who wishes to be successful in their field should be skilled in building relationships with the right people, and networking. They should be able to seek out opportunities to build their resume and put themselves in the right position to succeed in whatever field they choose. Remember to follow up on job leads, once you submit a resume, be persistent and follow up with people to show your determination and abilities.

Kinetic Sculpture

The Kinetic Sculpture is a metaphorical translation of the process of form-finding in art and design. 714 metal spheres, hanging from thin steel wires attached to individually-controlled stepper motors and covering the area of six square meters, animate a seven minute long mechatronic narrative. In the beginning, moving chaotically, then evolving to several competing forms that eventually resolve to the finished object, the Kinetic Sculpture creates an artistic visualisation of the process of form-finding in different variations.

Click the link in the title above to watch the video of this art installation. Let me know what you think. What does it mean? How do you interpret the artist's intentions? Does this give you any ideas for future video projects? I'd love to hear your comments about this one!