Preservatives for your Memories

Apparently, filmmaking is genetic. My grandfather was a filmmaker. He enjoyed experimenting with cameras, film, and later sound. This week I'm in the process of transferring these precious images and sounds to DVD. It reminds me how important it is to preserve these things.

If you or the generation before you has old films or vhs tapes, I strongly encourage you to have them transferred to DVD or miniDV. With time these films will disentigrate. VHS has a shelf-life of 15-20 years. Eventually the images become too dark to see and the tape becomes brittle. The old films are only slightly better. Typically you can get these formats transferred to DVD at a rate of .17-.25 cents per foot. It can be a pricey to get a high quality transfer, but I think it is so worth it. These films are all we have to remember our grandparents and the events which defined their lives.

If you cannot have your old stuff transferred, there are a few things you can to help maintain them in how you store them. Store the films and vhs tapes in tupperware containers. This will prevent moisture and dust from seeping in. Store your film bins in a dark dry place that is neither too hot nor cold. Realize that this will not ensure the films will last forever but it might buy them some time. Unless they are transferred to a digital format, they will eventually fade away.

Photo Fun

There is no limit to what can be done with photos. Imagination run wild! Here's a short photo clip I created from a recent movie.

Welcome to the Cave

Here is where I spend the greater part of my day. My studio, aka The Cave. You can't tell from the picture, but this room is about 10x10...and perfect for making movies. I've got everything I need right here. Pretty fancy, eh? Yep, here's where I hunker down and spend "quality time" with my clients, piecing together their movie creations each day. Welcome!

Sneak Peek

I love learning new techniques that enhance the beauty of my clients' movies. Here's a sneak peek of a brand-new title I'm currently creating.

Perfection in every Picture

Do you have photos that are almost good? It is frustrating to have a good picture ruined by red-eye, too dark, or off-center. Luckily with today's technology these problems are easily fixed. Notice the photos on the left with a serious red-eye problem and the date stamp in the corner. Then the ones on the right, voila! All better! When I receive photos from a client I carefully inspect each one to see if enhancements or corrections can make the photo better. Your photos are precious. These extra touches make each of your photographs stunningly beautiful.