Monday, May 24, 2010

Pornstar Dancing Color grading session Nice Dissolve





Color grading session for my Darkest Days "Pornstar Dancin" featuring Ludacris, Chad Kroeger & Zakk Wylde. Being ahead of the pack means putting forth the extra time, money & resources that separate you from the regular shoot. I always would hear Matt talk about the significance of post work flow for Red but the magnitude of this never comes to light until you experience two things 1) shooting on Mysterium-X Red and 2) being part of a post- production work flow that is technically able to bring out the best of what you shot. Working with the guys at Nice Dissolve in Brooklyn was an illuminating experience in that I was able to dive in to some of the technical post aspects that go short changed on a lot of productions. This is due in large part to ignorance of the process and budget. Sometimes producers can't afford the work flow. However, my view is if you are going to do something you might as well do it right. After seeing the results of the color grading, and working with Red Cine, and exporting using Red Rocket the result was like looking at footage that had literally been unearthed. A grey film layer is removed and the colors are so much more vibrant that the depth of field, detail and vibrancy are increased ten fold. I am definitely going to make it a practice to employ and good color grade whenever I shoot. There will always be the directors and producers that do the low budget work arounds including on production. What makes our phone ring is quality, service and excellence. After this video you will see what I'm talking about. Stay tuned. . .

Sunday, May 16, 2010

My Darkest Days "Pornstar Dancin" Featuring Chad Kroeger, Ludacris & Zakk Wylde - Director Brendan Kyle Cochrane DP Matt Workman






My Darkest Days "Pornstar Dancin" featuring Chad Kroeger, Ludacris & Zakk Wylde. Vegas baby!! First I would like to say that this was by far the largest and most intensive production that I have helmed to date. I am extremely grateful to Roy Lamanna and Island Def Jam for the opportunity in directing this project and believe that the work product will definitely be a testament to my ability to deliver big! Shot on location in Las Vegas Nevada, at the brand new Hard Rock hotel this was a very well orchestrated production thanks to a solid California crew led by producers Luga Podesta & Christian Heuer. As this was my biggest directing opportunity, I wanted to pull out all the stops. We had 2 MX Reds, Steadicam, 2 sets of Red Pro Primes, and a 7D PL mount which didn't really see any work. Matt Workman delivered on this and I was really happy with the way he worked with the CA crew. The whole production was seamless thanks in large part to Isaac Heckert who is a terrific 1st AD. I know production and know what I want to see and when people can actualize your vision its truly gratifying. This all could not be possible without a terrific band. My Darkest Days is a kick ass band that will definitely be making a mark out there. The cameos by Chad Kroeger, Ludacris and Zakk Wylde were the icing on the cake. Everyone was a pleasure to work with and I can honestly say the edit is going to get me some big work. The video looks hot!!! I really want to thank everyone who was a part of this project from Roy Lamanna, Luga Podesta, Christian Heuer, Island Def Jam, My Darkest Days, Ludacris, Chad Kroeger, Zakk Wylde, Awesome Matt Workman, Bruce Cole, Isaac Heckert, Sam Brownfield (who if I land an action movie - I'm calling to shoot heli) Paul Samaniego, Rob Roydes, Brett Pawlak, Cedric Martin, Tommy at the Hard Rock, Sundance Helicopters and the people of Las Vegas. This was a truly fantastic shoot and I am definitely looking forward to working with this crew on some bigger endeavors. Stay tuned. . .