Fitz TV Production on YouTube!

It's finally happened! Miss Kelter created a YouTube page for the TV Production classes. On there you will find some of the best videos created by the Advanced and Intro classes this year. :) Make sure you login to YouTube, subscribe to the videos and add FitzTVProduction as your friend/contact. Leave comments on videos, or link to related videos. Under the "favorites" you'll find videos similar to class assignments, so check those out as well. Enjoy!

Inspiring Student Video

Young student Dalton Sherman delivers an inspiring message to teachers and students at the opening to his school year. Watching this video from a broadcast speech background, what speaking skills does he employ? What delivery tactics does he use to deliver his message and involve the audience in his presentation? How can you observe professionalism, and preparation in his performance? What tips about speaking in front of an audience can you learn from this remarkable boy? Your comments are welcome...

Interactive Dobpler LED Wall Turns Shadows Into Light

This past year, people walking through the pedestrian tunnel in Sandnes Sentrum, Norway were faced with the unique opportunity to watch their shadows transform into a beautiful luminous art show. Constructed as part of the city's European Capitol of Culture 2008 event, the Stromer is an interactive LED display wall that weaves a wonderful mixture of art, energy-efficiency and play into the fabric of a daily existence.

So, what do you think about this interactive art? What else might you consider interactive art? How might this concept transfer to video production? Your comments are welcome...

Shoot For A Scholarship

Become a "Courageous Persuader"... Just create a commercial to warn middle school students about the dangers of underage drinking. The competition is open to high school students only, who compete for scholarship money and a chance to air their commercial on TV.
Click for An "Official" example

An example geared toward college students:

A simpler concept:

An example from SADD:

Simple and the the point, I like this one:


So, think you have what it takes? Create your own 30 second PSA to stop underage drinking (your target audience is middle school kids). Check out the official rules at courageouspersuaders.com. Some things are not allowed (showing people drinking, brand name labels, names on tombstones, etc), so make sure you check it out.
Entry deadline, February 2009. Submit your videos to me in class, or directly online. Good luck!

Virtual Ball Pit

Fun with computer vision and 2D physics. Kevin Atkinson at work. His first solo exhibition opens in July at ArtSpeak Gallery.

Check it out...


How about this one called "Bouncy Pixels"...


I just thought this was pretty cool. How do you suspect he is making this happen? Can you find any other videos like this to share? If so, post them up!!

Michigan = The New Hollywood?

"Lights, Camera, Northern Michigan.” That is the buzz right now as the region is being considered for five major film projects with A-list producers, directors and actors. Currently a movie project starring Ray Liotta (Youth in Revolt) is being filmed in Frankfort in Benzie County. The interest in Northern Michigan for major film projects is due in part to the new film incentives package introduced by Governor Granholm and the legislature this past spring.

Another big attraction to Northern Michigan is the “film culture” created here by the Traverse City Film Festival. From the inception of the Festival its organizers, New York Times best selling author Doug Stanton, photographer David Williams and Oscar winning filmmaker Michael Moore envisioned their efforts would showcase the region as perfect for film projects. Moore’s Hollywood connection has helped to attract several producers, directors and stars to the Festival, all who have raved about the region.


Producer Bob Brown of Charity Island Films has been making movies in Michigan for 10 years and believes the state is perfect for film making. He worked for five years to get the incentives passed. Brown will be filming his latest movie “The Bassmaster” in Traverse City this September and October. He will have A-list actors and director Angelo Pizzo of “Hoosiers” and “Rudy” fame.

To help Northern Michigan communities prepare for the film industry, Stampfler is collaborating with Deb Havens of the West Michigan Film Video Alliance to host the Northern Michigan Film Forum, July 21-22. The two day event will include industry experts and a session titled “When Hollywood Comes To Town.”

To learn more about the July 21-22 Northern Michigan Film Forum contact Deb Havens at 616-885-2961. If you are interested in registering your services to be a part of the film industry in Michigan check out www.wmfva.org. To view the agenda and scheduled speakers visit michiganfilmnews.blogspot.com or mpami.org where you can register for the event. (Article by Rick Coates).

SO, what do these film incentives mean for Michigan? How will the economy be affected by the opening of production houses in our own state? Will Hollywood flock to the Mitten State? As a film student, you may be luckier than you think...how will you take advantage of the potential for opportunity right in your own backyard? Post links, discussion and advice for those looking to get involved...

Stop Motion Graffiiti to the Extreme!

Wow! When someone sent me the link to this amazing video I had to sit and reflect for quite a while after viewing it! I was so impressed with the fluid motion of the video, the incredible amount of time the video took to create and the awesome artistic vision that this artist posesses. Impressive! The video is seven minutes long (remember how hard it was for your one minute stop motions?!) and takes up an entire city block in Buenos Aires. Imagine the labor! I think the people who occasionally sneak into the shots actually add to the effect and realism of the video rather than detract from its technical ability. If the video does not appear below, then just click on the title of this blog to be taken directly to the video. After viewing let me know your reaction and your first thoughts...


MUTO a wall-painted animation by BLU from blu on Vimeo.


Also, check out this new one I just found, kind of combines the sand art from an earlier post with the stop motion and cartoon theme from the wall art above.