"Mr. 3000" out in theatres--Q&A at DVinfo.net

Charles Papert · September 22nd, 2004, 01:08 AM

Hi folks,

It's been quiet for me on the feature front for the last year or so; however, the last picture I operated has finally been released (we wrapped principal photography 14 months ago). It's "Mr. 3000", the Bernie Mac baseball movie in theatres now.

It's not necessarily a groundbreaking film visually, but it has some interesting moments. If anyone has any questions or thoughts on it, fire away.

(I operated the "A" camera and Steadicam, plus I stepped up to DP for six scenes of 1st unit additional photography and reshoots)

Jonathan Stanley · September 23rd, 2004, 09:59 PM

As soon as I get to the theatre to see it I am sure I will have plenty. Always great to have a pro around willing to help out those who need it most!
Jonathan

Michael Bernstein · September 23rd, 2004, 10:50 PM

I saw from promotional clips that there are batter and catcher POV shots--and it looks like a fastball hurtles right at the camera.

'Zat so? Was that the least bit intimidating to operate?

Michael

Charles Papert · September 24th, 2004, 12:17 AM

Yeah, I actually couldn't really do it....!

There wasn't any operating to speak of in those shots, we just lined it up and positioned a sheet of plywood with a plexy window for the lens in front of the camera. I tried to keep my eyepiece in the camera for a few runs but it honestly was anti-evolutionary and there wasn't much for me to look at anyway, so I closed the eyepiece and joined the crowd at video village as they watched take after take.

There's a really cool variation on this which looks like CGI, with the ball leisurely making its way to the plate. We actually shot this with a real ball at 2000 fps against green screen on stage with a staggering amount of light.

Greg Boston · September 24th, 2004, 07:04 AM

<<<-- Originally posted by Charles Papert : We actually shot this with a real ball at 2000 fps against green screen on stage with a staggering amount of light. -->>>

Hi Charles,

I was already planning to go see that movie. Will definitely go now since you had a hand in it.

On a side note, I quoted you above because I have a habit called golf. A couple of the higher end mfgrs. have a device called 'launch monitor' which is shot in the same way you describe the baseball shot. It allows them to customize your driver for the optimal 12 degree angle and 3500 rpm of the ball at impact. They also sometimes use a high speed camera on the PGA tour broadcasts where you can actually see the golf ball being compressed by the club head at impact. Makes for a great visual effect.

best regards,

=gb=

September 22nd, 2004, 01:08 AM	#1
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	"Mr. 3000" out in theatres--Q&A Hi folks, It's been quiet for me on the feature front for the last year or so; however, the last picture I operated has finally been released (we wrapped principal photography 14 months ago). It's "Mr. 3000", the Bernie Mac baseball movie in theatres now. It's not necessarily a groundbreaking film visually, but it has some interesting moments. If anyone has any questions or thoughts on it, fire away. (I operated the "A" camera and Steadicam, plus I stepped up to DP for six scenes of 1st unit additional photography and reshoots) __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com

September 23rd, 2004, 10:50 PM	#3
Michael Bernstein Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 114	I saw from promotional clips that there are batter and catcher POV shots--and it looks like a fastball hurtles right at the camera. 'Zat so? Was that the least bit intimidating to operate? Michael __________________ Michael Bernstein, actor & film maker. 10 films in 10 weeks: www.amplecatnap.com

September 24th, 2004, 12:17 AM	#4
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	Yeah, I actually couldn't really do it....! There wasn't any operating to speak of in those shots, we just lined it up and positioned a sheet of plywood with a plexy window for the lens in front of the camera. I tried to keep my eyepiece in the camera for a few runs but it honestly was anti-evolutionary and there wasn't much for me to look at anyway, so I closed the eyepiece and joined the crowd at video village as they watched take after take. There's a really cool variation on this which looks like CGI, with the ball leisurely making its way to the plate. We actually shot this with a real ball at 2000 fps against green screen on stage with a staggering amount of light. __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com

September 23rd, 2004, 09:59 PM	#2
Jonathan Stanley Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Boone, NC Posts: 115	As soon as I get to the theatre to see it I am sure I will have plenty. Always great to have a pro around willing to help out those who need it most! Jonathan

September 24th, 2004, 07:04 AM	#5
Greg Boston Wrangler Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: DFW area, TX Posts: 6,117 Images: 1	<<<-- Originally posted by Charles Papert : We actually shot this with a real ball at 2000 fps against green screen on stage with a staggering amount of light. -->>> Hi Charles, I was already planning to go see that movie. Will definitely go now since you had a hand in it. On a side note, I quoted you above because I have a habit called golf. A couple of the higher end mfgrs. have a device called 'launch monitor' which is shot in the same way you describe the baseball shot. It allows them to customize your driver for the optimal 12 degree angle and 3500 rpm of the ball at impact. They also sometimes use a high speed camera on the PGA tour broadcasts where you can actually see the golf ball being compressed by the club head at impact. Makes for a great visual effect. best regards, =gb=