This is where we share the good experiences, the challenges, and everything else related to the making of our uwol 8 films.

Seems like some of us already have come up with some interesting ideas.
GOOD LUCK everyone!

I had to give up on my first idea....can't get the time off to go to Colorado...

Still, it would have been fun to video Meryem before and after her morning coffee.... ;)

On to plan B...

Bob

Hi all… I just what to say that if anyone would like to use the WebTV approach, feel free. That is not any thing that I have “copyright” on! I would like if anyone would like to make a WebTV from another part of the world. If you would like to make is like my films, not a problem, do it in your way, shoot!
That would be so fun if anyone want to pick up the WebTV…
For my own, I will not make a WebTV this round.

Cheers from Sweden
Markus

From the UK Met Office for this weekend:

"There is a moderate risk of a severe event affecting parts of N Ireland, N and W Wales, Scotland and NE and E England. Cold northerly winds are expected to bring snow showers which could give temporary, slight accumulations at lower levels. On higher ground accumulations of 2-5 cm, and locally as much as 10 cm in N Scotland, are likely. Drifting is also possible in the strong winds over the higher ground in the North."

"Changes"? How about: first-time UWOL videographer transforming into a snowman! Doesn't look like much fun for anyone in the UK this weekend. Get yer winter woolies on again!

Still, it would have been fun to video Meryem before and after her morning coffee.... ;)


gads, what a hideous idea...! a distinct transformation does occur, however...

Good morning,

Just got back from a two hours stint of time lapse/interval video. I also got some great ugly footage, perhaps to graphic for some.

I made up my shot list last night, wrote up the VO.. Only to find out this morning my establishing shot can't be made< Ugggg. Now for some creative thinking for an establishing shot.

ONE THING IS FOR CERTAIN, SHOOTING OUTDOORS, SHOOTING WILDLIFE IS NEVER TOTALLY PREDICTABLE!!!



I had a snow squall hit yesterday evening, raced out only to have it stop and sky turn blue before I got the camera out of the bag!!

Oh yea, did my shooting only to realize at the factory it was put to interlaced, I never take it off 30p, Uggg again.

Should have followed Per's example, check all equipment carefully the night before!!!

An idea is taking shape in my head.
Hopefully I can shoot most of it this weekend.
For once it it is forecasted sunshine, and even more than one day in a row.
That hasn't happened often here lately, so I have to make use of it.

Mike B this is from my local Met Office..want to trade.

A low pressure system will move from northern Manitoba towards western Hudson Bay tonight. This weather system will bring strong winds and 5 to 10 cm of snow tonight and Thursday. As a result blizzard conditions are expected to develop in Arviat later this afternoon and in Baker Lake, Rankin Inlet, Chesterfield Inlet this evening. Blizzard conditions may continue through the weekend along the Hudson Bay coast.

Its getting ready to transform from winter to more winter.

Brian

Brian,

I am sure you are ready for some "Breaking Weather Days"!!

I will bet the temperatures are not that nice either!!

We still haver white about the countryside, I expect a snow storm of some sort the next few weeks!! hope not however!!

Hope things break for you!!!

My biggest battle here is always the wind!!


Come up with a theme yet???

Mike B this is from my local Met Office..want to trade.

Brian - you're welcome to it! You probably know that the wusses on this side of the pond can't cope with 1 inch of snow and the country grinds to a halt!

I've resolved to go out and buy a new hat, get out the Kata rain cover and get on with it. A famous Scotsman once said: "There's no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes!"

"There's no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes!"
That's what we use to say here in Norway too.
Too bad my camera hasn't learned that yet. It still hates rain.

I agree with the wrong clothing story however my problem is they haven't invented the clothing that will keep you warm in this part of the world. You know the winters long when during one your parka goes out of style.

Dale I heard it said that if the wind stops blowing on the prairies you guys will all fall over.

I think I have a story...a bit of a stretch to fit the theme but it should work.

Brian

I'll take some of that snow down here. Now that would be a transformation. I'll just keep suffering with this cloudy, 85 F, days until it finally warms up.

I made some trial shoots today. I'll have to do some tweaking, but there's hope for my plan.

I've resolved to go out and buy a new hat

be sure you get one with a lot of fake fur and big flaps that are all the rage among our UWOL men.

i am sooo starting a Men of UWOL calendar! The Furry Hat edition!

heh. heh heh.

Victor,
I'd be happy to trade a few days with you for weather. Right now we're lucky to get up into the 50's here in Illinois. I guess I can't complain tooo much what with what they are getting up thar in Canada and over across the pond! on second thought, yeah I think I'll complain anyway. waah! :)

I think I have an Idea for my topic!!!!! I'm so excited that I am finally able to start putting some ideas and shooting plans down on paper! Maybe I'll even get to start doing some filming in the next couple of days! woohoo!

I guess before I get too far, is it too much of a stretch to say that the transofrmation theme in my film will be about the transformation that occurs within the main character?

meryem,

The Hats,

Fake fur doesnn't cut it, only the best real fur keeps you warm!!!!

Ideally, something harvested in winter when the furs are at their thickest!!

And they feel so snuggily too!!!



Todays shooting: Sat for two hours waiting for a quadrupid to emerge from its den, only to have it pop up from a different spot!!! sneaky guy!!

Just found out I have to go to Winnipeg on Sunday until next Friday....one week gone already.

Ya got to love the added pressure....thats okay I need Thai food real bad.

Brian

Could this be a thematic idea for somebody? Show how the furry little creatures TRANSFORM into furry little hats?

meryem,

The Hats,

Fake fur doesnn't cut it, only the best real fur keeps you warm!!!!

Ideally, something harvested in winter when the furs are at their thickest!!

And they feel so snuggily too!!!

well, we actually try to keep the focus on the wonder and the beauty of all living beings...it's kind of a planetary love-fest, so it wouldn't actually pass the contest censors--i.e. ME.

That's a good thing. I kinda like those furry little critters. You won't be catching me trying to make any fur hats, fur sure. :)

Well - my babies hatched this morning - amid great excitement here I want to tell you because finding them in the first place was a gift. After focusing on the rest of the family for a couple of days now, I find these guys toooo cute!

well, that's a teaser...what kinda hatchlings?

i am so excited that i can't sleep...i am shooting UWOL on my new camera today and sunday. nothing like NEW GEAR to get the juices flowin...

Started mine yesterday evening - my second choice of subject just in case the weather or tides don't cooperate on Monday for my first choice.

Meryem,

Tru dat, new equipment isd always a motivation!!

What did you spring for???

Look forward to seeing your footage.

Meryem never had a Radio Flyer when she was a kid. So since she didn't have a red wagon, she bought herself a Red camera! :)

it's true, i'm healing a childhood wound!

just spent my first real time on the RED camera today, and i have to say, i'm in love! it's outstanding!

i shot stuff that will more than likely not make it into my UWOL entry, but it gave me a great idea...so at least now i have an idea.

i'll post some footage of today's UWOL-ish outing on the RED blog that i started over yonder in the RED forum...

true to my self, i shot on a monopod!! can i just say, that i'm quite sore....it's a big camera...

just spent my first real time on the RED camera today, and i have to say, i'm in love! it's outstanding!
So now we can add a RED camera to the uwol sources.
I look forward to see what you come up with.

I've been looking for a camera nr 2 for some time now, and finaly I did buy the Canon HV30. I think I will use it together with my XLH1 on uwol8.
I did buy it because it's HDV, it's small and easy to carry with you, abroad, hiking, family tours, etc...
I've been really busy the last weeks, making a series of 8 portraits of some of our local celebritys for the TVStation I'm working for. Just the other day when I got my HV30 I did manage though, to take a mountain trip :) In fact I spent 7 hours hiking in the mountains and it was nice weather too for a change. A plan for how I will make my uwol 8 film is taking place and I will try to accomplish it. Just a tip and advice :)
Turn off everything that reads "automatic", I didn't and have to do some water scenes over again as I had it on autofocus :/

Okidoki, I wish everyone all the best and good luck in uwol8.

What more could I ask for, a day with bright blue sky and sunshine!
Could hardly remember what blue sky is, after all the rain we got here the last months.
So I grabbed my gear, and went out to shoot my uwol 8 entry.
Spent 4 fantastic hours out in the nature.
The only "problem" is that when you have a tripod, bigger than average consumer camera, external mic... with you out in the middle of nowhere, people just have to come over to talk to you, believing you work for television. (And show me one kid who doesn't want his/her face on tv!!)
But I paid closely attention to Rule #11, and had a lot of FUN!

Well, we are also enjoying the first beautiful weekend of the year....over 60º and sunny...

My wife and I are going out so I can pick up a LANC controller....can't do what I'm trying to do without it...
But, that also means putting the top down on the Miata, stopping for lunch and probably wasting the day away...
Ah well...there's always next weekend...

Bob

I have/had an idea but it involves filming some of the national park rangers

"just okay it with Susan"

"Hi, you've called susan - I'm on leave till May 4th"

anyone else?

"sorry - not my department"

deep breath, smile - call someone else

Good evening,

maybe i am not having fun unless I make myself suffer some how!!????

I shot my time lapse footage, next day went out for more footage, came back and could not find the tape with the time lapse!!! Anxiety for two days!!! I could not reshoot the footage, one time deal!!

Tonight I started going through my tapes. Low and behold, my 2.5 hours of time lapse is only about a few minutes and it was on my first tape, had a time code break, and when I captured I didn't notice it had not captured that part at the end of the tape!!!! Do not know what i did but I did get it in the computer and had a look at it. I am fairly pleased with it and plan on using it in this round!!

I have about 6 more shots to make.

If I can pull off " Plan A " Then these guys will be playing a small part in the video

Got some mighty big kittens in your neighbourhood there John!!!

Makes my little squirrels and herons seem just a little tame by comparison!

If I can pull off " Plan A "
Hope that works well for you, John.
I'd love to see more them in your film. Good luck!!

----
Today I went out shooting my establishing shots, so now I concider myself done with the shooting. Editing my entry this week.

Hi John - looks like you've been out to the Krugersdorp Game Reserve. Nice shots. I look forward to seeing your video - looks interesting.



well, that's a teaser...what kinda hatchlings?

...

Well, after thinking about it I decided I would probably be certified if I told you, so I'm afraid you will have to wait for the video to form your own opinion - not everyone will share my sentiments on this one - judging by some of the reactions I have had around here!

(Actually I was just trying to stir the pot a little 'cause this thread is far too quiet. Not sure if everyone is just very busy on this theme or really stumped.)

I now know why Per was not getting everyone going. Good choice of judge Meryem.



i am so excited that i can't sleep...i am shooting UWOL on my new camera today and sunday. nothing like NEW GEAR to get the juices flowin...


I am looking forward to watching your video - and Cat's as well - as you both have new gear this time round.

you're right, this thread has been a little sleepy, compared to other rounds...i think i got my first UWOL shot yesterday and a good thing because my subject is now buried under several inches of snow. Colorado spring weather is highly variable. i'd go get some falling snow shots, but the snow is very fine and wet this morning. i don't think it would look too beautiful, not like Kevin's fat-flake Iowa snow....

My camera came back today. Hooray!!

I know what I want to shoot. The trouble is, I don't know if my camera can do the job (with me operating it). I guess I will just have to try and see what happens. Focusing is going to be a hassle, because the subject is pretty small.

I might be submitting a series of stills mixed in with video in order to get the job done. But I think I can avoid the shark tank this time.

Steve,

Great getting the camera back in time!!! I got mine just at start up time!!!

I have no excuses now!! just my usual range of stupid moves.

tomarrow I shoot some serious close up material, I have been dieing to use this lens I have had for ages!!

Still waiting on a speciality lens I had hoped to use this round, may not happen!!

Heck, I am working on the music and that is taking more work than the editing to date!!

I was out at the Cradle of Humankind.My original idea was to do something on the transformation of mankind,This has changed to the transformation of a few generations of mankind,the lions are sort of a small part in the video.This was shot at The Rhino Lion Nature Reserve situated in the Cradle of Humankind World heritage Site, 50 km from both JHB & Pretoria.I still need a few key shots to complete this project, but "plan A " still looks on.

well, i am glad to hear that someone's Plan A is still on...mine has changed about 39 zillion million billion times already. and how am i going to get this done while i am at NAB staying up late at the craps table, hm?

I wish I managed to join you guys this round - silly work!

That craziness that made life hell and took away my free time during UWOL 7 is still around. Just a few more weeks! Only a few weeks too late! =D

I wish I managed to join you guys this round - silly work!
I hear you about the workload these days.
But don't give up yet! There is still some time to come up with something.
Remember, the 3 minute limit is only a max limit!
Good luck!

I have/had an idea but it involves filming some of the national park rangers
"sorry - not my department"
deep breath, smile - call someone else

well - I found someone and spent a couple of hours being driven around by the rangers and shown sites of interest - pretty good! now I just have to trek back in there with gear - great!

Well I started this one off with no plan A even, but I managed to think something up today and get it shot. No shark tank for me!


Meryem I can't wait to see what you will do with that RED.

This was shot at The Rhino Lion Nature Reserve

Forgot about that one - very similar to Krugersdorp in set-up.
Your video sounds really interesting.

I am certainly glad I work flexi-time. Everything seems to start first thing in the morning with my subject. Today I had to do time-lapse.

Unfortunately you cannot use the interval timer on the camera if you have a subject that's moving around all the time!
I also have a pretty good idea now of how Per must have felt just waiting and waiting for something to happen.
I never realized, until I started this project, just how long it takes to record change while it is taking place! Pretty time-intensive.
Anyway I am relieved to have most of my footage now. It would not have been possible in May - just skidded in on time.

I never realized, until I started this project, just how long it takes to record change while it is taking place! Pretty time-intensive.


I discarded a whole raft of ideas for this project because I realised they were too ambitious in terms of the time it would take to film them. The one I've settled on was because I happened to notice it starting - I only hope that it finishes before the deadline!

Gosh, sounds like people are hard at work on their challenge films.

My Plan A is still in the early stages. In fact, I wouldn't even go so far as to say it's a "Plan A". It's more of a "Pla". :)
Hopefully I can get out this weekend and get some shooting done.
So far my "Pla" is a bit of a departure from what I've done in that past. But, I'm sure once I get out there, I'll throw everything away and just shoot whatever moves me. Hopefully I can do something a little different this round that what I usually do. Whether that turns out to be a good thing or not, we'll just have to see.