To Be Exclusive Or Not To Be? (Stock Video Part 02)

With the myths of stock footage clearly dispelled, it is time to answer the age old question of exclusivity. In the stock footage world, this is a topic that is hotly debated with strong proponents on both sides of the issue. As someone who has experienced both sides of stock footage, I want to share with you my experience so that you can make a more informed decision with your career.

How To Get Your Start In Stock Video: Part 1

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that I had partnered with Zacuto to bring you a series on how to get your start in stock video. Well, the eight-part series is now going live! So, if you are looking for a way to add extra revenue to your bottom line, and to have content that generates money while you sleep, then this series is for you. :)

You'll be able to find every post here on my blog, as well as on the Zacuto site. In part one, I'll be covering common misconceptions.

How To Use Custom Sekonic Profiles

As you may already be aware, I have put together a lot of training on how to use a light meter and have compiled an extensive list of camera profiles to use with the Sekonic 758 & 478. And it appears that I incorrectly assumed that it was clear on how to use the profiles once they were loaded into the meter. (at least from the emails I have received recently). So if you have been sitting there wondering, "Okay, now what do I do?", this blog post will explain how to use the custom Sekonic profiles I have created.

The Dysfunctional Life Of A Cinematographer

I've often said to friends of mine who are not in the film industry that being a cinematographer is one of the most glamorous blue collar jobs out there. And while those looking from the outside in may see my career path as full of adventure and the opportunity to work with interesting people all over the world, that is only a small percentage of what this career path holds.

While I absolutely love what I do, and you couldn't pay me to switch fields...admittedly there is a lot of dysfunction, and many sacrifices have to be made in the life of a cinematographer. So, if you are considering this career path, or if you are just interested in peaking behind the curtain, here is the less glamorous and sometimes dysfunctional side of my profession.

How To Build A Wireless HD Transmitter For Under $275

This past week I was the cinematographer for an intense action short that was shot using two Epics. Even though we were on two Epics, we were still on a shoe-string budget, and we had to get creative to deliver cinema quality visuals. Due to the tight schedule and limited crew, we needed to go wireless for our director's monitor. Top of the line wireless systems are great to work with when the funds allow, but for this production, it wasn't an option. Fortunately, my long-time 1st AC Jerry Turner came to the rescue with an affordable solution he had created based off of research he'd done on the internet.

And, while I've had varying success with home-brew wireless HDMI in the past (so I was skeptical), I was delightfully surprised with how this unit performed in the middle of an industrial district in a major city. And all for under $275. Here is what you need to make this happen for yourself.

Consultation, Stock Footage & More...

This post will be short and sweet. I wanted to let you all know about a new service & training series I'm offering, as well as update you on The Cinematographer Series. So here is the 411...

Consultation Service:
If you would like one-on-one feedback on one of your projects, or you want guidance on how to approach an upcoming shoot, or you are looking for consultation on anything cinematography related- lighting or camera- I'm here to help.

All you need is a skype account, and we can talk face-to-face. For $75, you will get my undivided attention and creative input (this includes the time it takes to review any work you send me to review).

(You might also like: How To Succeed As A Freelancer)

The Ultimate Guide To Getting Your Start In Stock Footage:
When people find out that I also shoot stock footage, I am often asked how I got my start and how they can get up and running. I have recently partnered with Zacuto to bring you a free guide that you can follow if this is a revenue stream you want to pursue. It will be released in a series of 8-10 blog posts that I will be reposting here, so keep an eye out in the coming month or so.


The Cinematographer Series Update:
Producing this series has been a much bigger endeavor than I ever anticipated when I began. Shooting and editing content around my commercial work has been much tougher than I ever thought. So I have hired an editor to help me bring this training series to market in the very near future. I just handed off the drive to my editor last week, and he'll be finishing it up in the next couple of months. It is coming- I apologize for the delay.

Until Next Time - Get Out There And Shoot!

Ryan E. Walters, Cinematographer

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The Unintended Brilliance Of Catching Fire

Recently my wife and I got into a heated debate over something that raised questions about filmmaking and storytelling for me. As a warning, this post is a bit of a deviation from the norm. The primary focus of my blog has always been on the technical and aesthetic side of cinematography and filmmaking. However, I think it is also important to take a step back and reflect on some bigger issues that impact us as storytellers and artists. Namely, should we worry about explicitly communicating our messages so that everyone gets it, or is it okay to communicate with more ambiguity, allowing room for interpretation, even if some people miss the point, and others co-opt our message into something else?

The recent marketing campaign for Catching Fire, the next series in the Hunger Games Trilogy, raises just those questions for me...