THE CREATURE STIRS! The 2013 Convention Season
ANNOUNCING THE REST OF THE 2013 CONVENTION SEASON!
more info at our CREATURE ENTERTAINMENT FACEBOOK PAGE
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OUT OF THE BOX: Production Videos
FYI we are had at work on the next slew books to be coming out, debuting at Orlando MEGACON this year.
Creature Entertainment putting an ultra secret super awesome book together with John and Julio. Fuuuuuuucking Exciting bro
Also we’ll be doing some video blogging on new project and what we’ve been working on to keep in touch with all things Creature. Here is my light table and studio set up at home where I draw ZOMBIE YEARS.
We’ll be doing these videos here and there form time to time just so you folks see some of the behind the scenes of CREATURE.
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SMASH-CON was fun!
We were bleary eyed and slightly smashed, but overall it was pretty awesome time…. How awesome?
Great fun
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Hey Juan, what is fall TV looking like?
We take it back to what started it all, a preview of fall TV. The good, the bad and the horrible. Also, towards the end, i geek the fuck over some news.
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PODCAST: ENDING WAS NOLAN’s GIFT TO BATMAN, & SNOOP-LION
Well we don’t just start there, we do talk about Snoop Lion for a few minutes and even drop some Easy-E in there too.
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PODCAST: Hey Juan, let’s catch up and (muffled)…
We talk about the Dark Knight Rises, no spoilers, Aurora, CO and gun control. But, very early in the conversation my mic stops working, so I sound like I’m very far away from Juan. It’s a good conversation and that’s why I’m putting it up.
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Feed the Creature – Creature Entertainment Kickstarter
In 2008 a group of artist formed Creature Entertainment Studios, a local Miami based company specializing in comics, print media and film.
As a self-funded company, we’ve grown slowly over the years mostly through the financial contributions of our families and friends, but we need your support to take Creature to the next level. Last night we officially launched our page on Kickstarter.com in our efforts to raise the necessary funds needed to expand our company. Please take a moment to visit our page through the link below the video, to learn more about us and if you’re inspired to do so, make a donation. We humbly thank everyone for all your support.
CREATURE ENTERTAINMENT STUDIOS — Kickstarter.
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TS-101
Creature Entertainment gears up for its next indie film extravaganza. Hot off the heels of recent films like Reservoir Bats, Killswitch Billy and The Zombie Years, Creature Entertainment takes a delightful detour into the sci-fi genre with our upcoming film and comic book TS-101. After acquiring an entire wing at A.G. Holly Hospital as the prime set piece and heart of our story, the wheels were set in motion to bring our latest creation to life. Originally conceived by John Ulloa and Julio Alvarez, TS-101 is set in the not too distant future where humanity is being primed for historic scientific change, courtesy of the dark and clandestine organization called LUMASOFT. Of their many Test Subjects, David Atchinson, emerges as an anomalous specimen. He soon discovers that the future of science and humanity itself lies deep within him. TS-101 stars Richard Haylor, Keri Maletto and Keith Wade. Principle photography begins on 9.24.11.
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In the press, Miami’s Community Newspapers
Miami’s Community Newspapers did a piece about us. Gary Alan Ruse sat down with us during Wizard World Miami and conducted this little interview. It’s out today (05/03/2011) on the stands and online. You can read interview on page 24 of the Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay, Kendall, Coral Gables and South Miami editions. So pick up a copy or read the interview online.
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Back from MegaCon
We’ve just returned from Mega-Con in Orlando and what an awesome experience. We schlepped our wares into the back of my suburban and made the 4 hour trek towards visions of fortune and fame. What we got was better than that – the awesome spectacle and interaction that is a comic convention. Simply put, we loved meeting and talking with everyone who came by our booth to chat, peruse, compliment and support what we were doing. The community that these cons create is awesome. Overall, Comic Con people have a great disposition and attitude, especially towards anything indie. We are very thankful for that. Our dancing monkey for the company, Juan Navarro, took the time to chat it up with anyone and everyone regarding anything and everything. We were sooo excited that ANYONE would be interested in any of our products. We were away “from home” for the first time as a company and Mega-Con was a barometer–a litmus test if you will–of things to come. And Mega-Con did NOT disappoint. I was asked to sign my very first comic “Killswitch Billy”, no doubt a memorable moment. Despite some minor hiccups here and there, the weekend was a resounding success. We were glad to share the alley with IHero magazines’ Frank Fradella and Dani Burke. The amazing TV host, Keri Maletto Giles along with husband/sound-guy Chris came out to support us and conducted some interviews for a video piece we will be releasing of our experience at Mega-Con. We LOVE YOU GUYS.
Juan’s Zombie Years has emerged as Creature’s flagship title. His alternate cover with DVD version sold out after just a day and a half! Congrats dude!!! Selling out of some of our titles, movies and prints halfway through the con was an amazing feeling. I can’t help but feel that the talents of our friend and artist Patrick Reilly really helped us get noticed at the con. It was his banner design that hooked people to the booth. If I could compare an artist to a movie scorer, Pat is our John Williams, delivering iconic imagery for our titles. Pat, you are awesome!
Our very own Jose Varese was on-hand to sign books and sell sketches. Many folks were blown away by his pencils for our upcoming series, “Ravenous”. Freakin’ AWESOME. Congrats Jose! (But by contract, you’re still our b*tch!)
John and I had the privilege of having our short film “Reservoir Bats” shown at an indie film screening there at the con moderated by Terry Cronin (Students of the Unusual). We got an overwhelming response from the crowd and facilitated an indie filmmaking panel the following day along with Lady Death’s Brian Pulido.
We want to express a heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out and showed us love. We hope to have made you fans for life. We’d love to hear from some of you in the future. We most likely will remember you all.
Oh, and if you ever come across us at another booth or con and need to know the time, DO NOT ASK JUAN NAVARRO.
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Zombie Years: Thanks Grandpa is online!
Ok guys here is Zombie Years: Thanks Grandpa! As always stay tuned to our news section for more details on what we have going on and follow our Youtube channel and Facebook fanpage.
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Observations About Live Video Capture with the 7D and 5D
The 7D and the 5D are not ideal for steadicam work (or any work requiring the camera to make quick movements) because of its so-called ‘jello’ effect, where the frame wobbles from side to side during fast pans. The camera’s sensor scans the frame line by line starting at the top, vs CCD sensors (Sony V1U and Canon XHA1s), which expose the entire frame at once.
The rig is also too light for our Glidecam, so minute touches of the camera for framing or focusing, wobbles the camera excessively.
Focus can be remotely controlled by this device:
http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/11/okii-usb-follow-focus-knob-makes-remote-focusing-your-canon-dslr/
It can be mounted on the Glidecam’s grip handle, on a shoulder rig or on a fluid head handle to replace physical follow focus ring.
Requires Canon USM lenses.
($400. $350 w code okii50).
http://www.okii.net/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=FF%2D001
Published features:
● Functions with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, 1D Mark IV, 7D, 60D, 550D/Rebel T2i/Kiss X4, 500D/Rebel T1i/Kiss X3
● Controls focus by use of lens autofocus motor (Canon USM lenses recommended, not all third party lenses will function)
● Works in tandem with the HDMI output of the camera, allowing you to use both the Follow Focus and an external monitor
● Compatible with non-powered USB extension cables – currently tested up to 10 meters
● Starts/stops video recording
● Toggles Live View on/off
● Initiates image capture
● Initiates autofocus or metering
● Saves and returns to four focus points*
● Cycles digital zoom 1x/5x/10x to aid in focusing
● Adjusts focus step size and focus command send rate
● Adjusts ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation
● Adjusts focus zone positioning
● Reversible knob direction to match 3rd party lenses
The manufacturer warns:
It is important that potential users understand how Canon’s USB implementation has shaped and enabled the development of the Okii Systems USB Follow Focus. Certain characteristics of Canon’s design make it perform quite differently than a mechanical follow focus, so it is recommended that you read the User Guide and the Canon USB Protocol article in the Technical section of the Okii website.
Included is a 30 day money back guarantee, which ensures that you can fully test out the USB Follow Focus with the type of film or photography work you do, along with all of your cameras and lenses.
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With an ultra-light left-hand touch for framing on the Glidecam, could be pretty cool.
It would be cooler if it was wireless, b/c the wire to the camera will influence the the flow of the sled.
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I love this stuff!
I know this is starting to sound old but it has been one hell of a ride these last few weeks trying to get our books finished colored and printed and get movies cut and burned to disk.
In the middle of all this storm of activity is little ole me trying to keep it all coordinated. I am the one that makes sure the pages for the comics fit the printers’ templates and that we get them there on time. I also have to make sure the DVD master disks get to the duplication place on time and still find time to update our Facebook, website and Twitter with all our latest news. In order to write this very blog entry I have to do it on the train on my way to work. Did I mention we all have regular 9 to 5′s? Yeah; blah, blah, blah….I know.
Anyway enough bitching I just wanted to take a moment to let you guys know the reason we do all this. It is because well; WE LOVE ALL THIS! WE LOVE MAKING COMICS and WE LOVE MAKING FILMS! We use every bit of our spare time that is not dedicated to our families and day jobs to dedicate to ALL THIS. But why do it and add all the headaches to our already busy lives? Because it makes us happy; and all the hard work we put into our projects shows! We have been getting so much positive feedback from people and we have been getting a lot of people wanting to collaborate with us. The best part about that is these people share our same enthusiasm for making comics and film. They are from the less talking and more doing school of thought. We are so fortunate to have met these people. Then there are our fans. Yes surprising even to us we have fans and supporters. Fans that believe in what we are doing. To you guys we are most grateful to.
Ok time to get off my soap box. Thanks for listening and more importantly thanks for supporting us. Now I need to get off the train now and schlep my butt to work.
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Check out these Babies…
We are starting to get some of the books in from the printer. Here are the first two. Forgive me Father 1 and 2. I feel like a proud parent holding these guys. We will be selling these guys at Wizard World Miami Comic Con.
See you guys at the Con.
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Cranker down…
My apologies for missing last Friday’s blog. I’ve been working a lot and researching some capture related ideas, which I’ll write about in coming posts.
In the meantime, here is an interesting discussion on how to get plenty of motion blur on under-cranked footage (the footage plays ‘faster’ than real-time capture, the opposite of slo-mo). It starts as a simple question about the relationship between shutter speed and frame rate. The interesting bit is at the bottom (thread:: jan 31 2008 21:24), where lordtangent explains…
Undercranking: Shutter speed vs. frame rate.
[Read down to the bottom thread Jan 31 2008 21:24 lordtangent]
My deconstruction is this:
Think about a horse running by your frame from left to right. If you shoot that horse 3 times per second, the horse will have made large strides between every frame. If the shutter is only open for 1/48 of a second, you’ve somewhat frozen the motion of the animal in each frame. Sure, there will be blur. If you were shooting still pictures and really wanted to freeze the motion of a fast moving object, you’d use a high ISO and high shutter speed of 1/250 or more (at higher ISO’s, the sensor is more sensitive to light at the expense of grainier pictures).
But if you wanted a streak across the frame… more motion blur, you could set the shutter speed to guarantee that the shutter stays open the entire frame (think about what great motion blur stills you can get by pointing a camera at a road at night and capturing the lights of cars streaking by with the shutter open for a twelfth of a second). So, you could choose a frame rate of 24 fps and a shutter speed of 1/12. The video camera stores extra frame(s) to represent the entire time the shutter was open. In our example, the shutter was open for the duration of two frames. So, the camera ads an extra frame after each frame (the shutter is also open for the entire duration of that second frame). In post, if you want to speed up playback, those frames can be removed to get back to an intended frame rate (e.g., 12 fps to be played back at 24fps)… under-cranked. Or, if you just want to shoot in very low light and want a lot of motion blur, you could leave those extra frames in and play at regular speed. With ND filters, you could get a lot of motion blur while shooting in daylight.
I haven’t tried this yet, but I will and I’ll post some video.
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Molding and casting on the cheap
OK continuing with my set of posts concerning cheap and easy prop making here is an article by Dave Lowe; a very talented illustrator and prop maker. Dave always has plenty of tips on budget film props so check the rest of his site after you read this great tutorial of his on cheap and easy molding and casting.
Molding and Casting, Cheap and Easy
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The Evolution of Digital Filmmaking
Last week my compadre Julio wrote a great article on HDSLR. I too have been smitten and wanted to jump on his coat tails on the matter.
The holy grail of indie filmmakers has always been to get “that film look” when shooting digitally. Way back in the day, we were confined to using filters and film grain to get somewhat of that feel. But that film look entails several characteristics, tools and money. Even novices notice the difference between film and video. In my experience, the basic elements that make film look like film are frame rate, sensor size, optics, latitude, resolution and lighting skills. Oh yeah, a little celluloid helps too. Film back then as it is today is a VERY expensive format. For many years the film industry enjoyed a relative monopoly on the market. Indies posed no threat to the big houses for quite some time. Then along came the Panasonic DVX100. This camera was revolutionary as it was the first CCD digital camera that was able to shoot 24fps (frames per second) digitally, the same rate for motion pictures. That in and of itself was a HUGE deal. Amongst its other bells and whistles was a built in cine-gamma filter that rounded out images in a very pleasing way, similar to film. Other companies like JVC and Canon soon followed suit with their own versions of 24fps cameras. Indie filmmakers everywhere were out dancing in the streets. We were one step closer to making our films look like, well, film. The impact these cameras made could be seen everywhere. The DVX100 for example inspired www.dvxuser.com, a website created after the same. It became and still is a staple and mecca for indie filmmakers everywhere. You can share your films and get feedback, share tips and get advice from people all over the world. Great films, commercials, music videos and documentaries were being made with the DVX. I was a proud owner myself and launched a somewhat successful career with it.
The explosion of indie filmmakers spawned an industrial revolution. New affordable and innovative tools would soon emerge that would further close the gap between the big production houses and the indie filmmaker. Enter the mini35 adaptors. Companies such as Brevis, Letus, and Redrock manufactured devices that enabled one to put relatively cheap still photography lenses in front of our digital cameras to get the optics and depth of field of film. Some of their offerings came complete with matte rods, matte boxes and follow focus rigs and whips. Some of their rigs even allowed one to put motion picture lenses on a mini dv camera; another huge step forward for the indie filmmaker. I too jumped on the mini35 bandwagon. It was the new drug on the block. We all knew that this was a GREAT time to be an indie filmmaker. We finally had attainable, affordable tools that were helping us make respectable films.
Now we are currently enjoying the wonderful world of HDSLR, still photography cameras that can record HD video. Prior to HDSLR’s, the next “affordable” option was to go with the RED, body only at $17,000. Now don’t get me wrong, I know that $17k is not cheap, but if you wanted anything better at the time, there was nearly a $100k gap between the RED and next comparable camera (which at the time I believe was the Cine-Alta). So in light of that comparison, $17k IS cheap. But HDSLR’s are in the ballpark of $750-$2,500 body only and they are SWEET. It took a while for people to take them seriously as is with any new AND smaller technology. What professional actor would take a camcorder tricked out with a mini35 rig or HDSLR seriously? Apparently that happened with 24′s Kiefer Sutherland as a JVC GY-HD100 was brought on the set. It was small compared to the larger more intimidating 35mm film cameras and apparently Kiefer didn’t take it seriously. But soon, HDSLR’s were making their mark. Experienced DP’s started producing beautiful images and films with these little miracles. A season finale of HOUSE was shot with the Canon 5D and the other major networks soon saw its value. I have shot several music videos and short films with the Canon 7D with amazing results.
Why I LOVE HDSLR, the Canon 7D in particular.
1. Simplicity. Although mini 35 rigs had a value at a certain time, when you stepped away and looked at your rig, it had a “frankensteined together” look. Big and bulky; HDSLR’s are delightfully smaller while delivering better image quality and maneuverability in the field.
2. No light loss. If I could pick just one reason why I love HDSLR’s, it would be for this reason alone. Compared to mini35 rigs, HDSLR’s suffer no light loss except for the speed of your lens. My Redrock rig was NOT low light friendly. It ate up a lot of light between the prism inverter, ground glass unit and lenses. There was just no way I could shoot a low light scene such as a bar scene for example. On the other hand, the Canon 7D was able to shoot a low light bar scene with just two 75watt bulbs with AMAZING results. HDSLR’s allow one to adjust ISO settings. In a low light situation? An HDSLR will allow you to bump up the ISO to brighten the scene with minimal noise. I shot some of my Killswitch Billy bar scenes with the Canon’s ISO set between 400 and 640 with no noticeable noise.
3. Consistent Focus. HDSLR’s optics to body allows for consistent focus. No “middle parts” to contend with or expensive monitors. The focus enhancement feature is great and it just works. No more fumbling around calibrating a rig for ground glass focus, then lens focus yada yada. Those older rigs were notorious for coming out of focus if handled incorrectly; even correctly at times!
4. Cheap acquisition. Remember the FireStores? If you don’t, you missed a painful and expensive part of acquiring HD footage. Good riddance I say. The HDSLR’s allow you to capture source material to CF cards and SD cards at a fraction of the cost. No charging an external unit, no moving parts. CF cards fit in your shirt pocket. I had a FireStore crap out on me on an upscale travel shoot. Never again!
5. Price. For the price of a complete mini35 bundle, without the camera and lenses, you can get an HDSLR WITH lenses.
6. Resolution. HDSLR’s are the only affordable means to deliver quality 1080p content.
The only setback that some have seen with the HDSLR’s have been cited by Julio as well. Namely audio acquisition and the rolling shutter effect. I don’t have a problem with either of these. Here’s why. If you are doing professional film work, your camera movements will be clean and smooth, eliminating the rolling shutter effect. Pro audio is almost always captured separately when in professional environments. So for those in pro environments, it’s not a big deal. Slates are invaluable in these situations.
To see samples of what I’ve done with a Canon 7D, check out these videos.
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Bloody zombie arm stump
If you’ve been keeping up with our current lineup of short-films you might have noticed a little juicy morsel of a film called “Zombie Years: Thanks Grandpa”. To date is the film that required the most effects shots. It required a set extension shot to show the ruined city of Hialeah, a zombie’s arm being sliced off and flopping on the floor plus a rather gruesome head-stomp that sent pieces of zombie brain flying at the camera. All these effects turned out rather well and made it into the final film; all except for one that I didn’t mention.
The one I’m talking about is the bloody arm stump shooting out petrified zombie blood. The effect looked decent on camera but in the end it really took away from the overall look of the movie and was cut out. This goes to show that not all shots should be included in your short film no matter how good you think it is. If it detracts from the look or the pacing of the film then leave it out! So without further ado here is the shot of Norbert Velez as a zombie after getting his arm chopped off.
Tune in next Monday when I tell you how I made the arm stump prop!
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New Creature Movie Trailers on Youtube
Hello everyone we have been pretty busy getting ready for the coming convention season and organizing our body of work into something we can show to potential collaborators, investors, and fans alike. We are also putting the finishing touches on some new projects we have been working on. So keep a look out in the next few weeks for something new from us.
Until then check out this new trailer we put together for our current films.
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In the Press again; Congrats Juan
Looks like our good fortune and recognition just keeps on coming. This time The Miami New Times has named our very own Juan Navarro as one of the “100 Creatives” in Miami. The honor is more than well-deserved Juan puts in a lot of hours of work on everything he does as well as keeps our creative juices flowing over here at Creature. A big congratulation to him.
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A Humble Thank You
We would like to just take a moment to thank all of you out there who have shown an interest in what we are doing and praised our efforts in the indie film and comic book space. Ever since our Halloween Bash we have been flooded with feedback and it has been very positive. We are making progressively more challenging movies and comics, and all the great feedback just makes us want to do better.
We would also like to thank websites like Bitter Balcony and Antisteez for the great write-ups they have done about our work and efforts. We are truly humbled.
While you are here take a look at the new animatic trailer for Forgive Me Father. You can also find it on our Youtube channel.
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Reservoir Bats is online and more news
Ok guys here is Reservoir Bats! This will be the last one we put up for a while. We are planning the cut up The Gun into bite size episodes and post them online. We will also be putting up Zombie Years: Thanks Grandpa. This will take a bit to get together so check back in a week or so to see what else we have going on. As always stay tuned to our news section for more details on what we have going on and follow our Youtube channel.We are also going to be posting more about our comics’ projects and an important announcement about our books.
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Killswitch Billy is online
Ok I know we said we would be putting the films online only on Tuesdays and Thursdays; BUT truth be told we just couldn’t resist. Here is Killswitch Billy for your viewing pleasure. Remember keep checking the “Projects” drop-down on the menu-bar over the next few days and weeks and this news section for updates. You can also follow us over on our Youtube Channel.
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Creature Entertainment Films
Over the next few weeks we will be putting up some of the films we have been making for the last year. Now that the Halloween Bash has come and gone we can start putting these babies up on line for you guys to see. First up is our re-creation of the Pencil Scene from the Dark Knight. We will be putting up more in the following weeks one every Tuesday and Thursday. So stay tuned to our news section and make sure to watch the “Projects” menu up there on the right for new additions. Go ahead and click the drop down and you will see. Alternatively you can also follow our channel on Youtube for new releases.
