Posterous theme by Cory Watilo

Matthew Armstrong

Creative Media Artist and Marketing Hacker

DSLR's Filmmakers: BlackMagic Cinema Camera is One to Watch!

SEE THE PICTURE OF IT BELOW!

Get this:

It's a $3k camera that shoots 2.5k RAW footage uncompressed straight to an included Solid State Drive and comes equipped with a Canon EF mount. 

It has 13 stops of Dynamic Range!

A large touch screen serves as both the menu system and a nice monitor. 

It has audio in and internal mic. 

SDI out. 

Headphone jack.
 
Are we dreaming? 

Matthew

P.S. I think this is my next camera.

Acoustic at the Incarnation

Client: AIR REVIEW
Work: Live video production, editing, web development, brand/marketing
Link: http//incarnation.airreview.net

I was hired to shoot a live performance of AIR REVIEW in a very unique setting for the band: the Church of the Incarnation in Dallas.

In the midst of stained glass and candle light this up-and-coming indie rock band performed a (sort of) acoustic set that was both intimate and rocking. It was a beautiful evening.

Originally we were just going to make a little promo video out of the content, but today AIR REVIEW released http://incarnation.airreview.net

I created a one page website where Acoustic at the Incarnation lives. Its a series of videos from that evening that will be released over time.

What do you think?

If it doesn't Spread, It's Dead.

Hey artists!!!

How do we go from obscurity to success in our current system?

thanks to NoFilmSchool.com for sharing this video.

Here are some highlights from the video:

  • People are more engaged when they can participate and claim ownership
  • Unauthorized distribution can help the product (constructive) vs Piracy that exploits the product (destructive)
  • Independent artists: obscurity is more of a problem than piracy
  • There are bigger audiences than ever before, but building a market for our products is less guaranteed than it ever has been
  • People who engage in something small like kickstarter are more likely to engage in a larger social media campaign sometime in the future

Music Video I Shot, "Warrior Song", Premiered on E! Network on New Years!!!

A bit of the back story:
A few months ago I was becoming really anxious and desperately wanted to shoot a music video. As a filmmaker, i feel that music videos can be an incredible way to showcase your talent in a way that is very palatable and engaging (with the right song).

Right about the same time that my itch to shoot a music video was reaching almost unbearable levels I received a call from a producer who had been given my name. I'd never shot a music video before but they liked my work and asked if I would come on as the Director of Photography for a music video. I said yes, a couple weeks later we shot for two full days and wrapped. The director Bob Hedlund did a great job and wrote a great script. The set designs had some cool factor that was exciting. And I felt I did my best to capture the vision of the director even though I had to improvise in ways I had never done before since we were missing certain equipment we thought we would have (this included me hanging off the side of the roof on roughly a 6 story building). In the end I thought the video could end up being pretty stellar for my first music video and that it would probably have an indie-style internet only release. I think this was the feeling of all the crew. 

Little did I know that this music video would premier on National TV on the E! Network on NEW YEARS!!! 

As part of their New Years Eve special, E! brought the artist, Hildegunn, on to talk about style and fashion and to discuss her new album release "Share Your Secret". And apparently they thought so highly of the video to "Warrior Song" that they chose to debut the video.

I am not sure how this has happened, but it has happened. I am very grateful and have much to say about the things this experience and fortune has taught me. 

Here's the video:

"Warrior Song"
Hildegunn Gjedrem
GroundUP Music 2011.
Video produced by Timothy Scott.
Video directed by Robert Hedlund.
Director of Photography Matthew Armstrong
Music and lyrics by Hildegunn Gjedrem.
Music produced by Michael League.

CLIENT WORK: Seryn Custom Facebook Page

Seryn_welcome_page

 

CLIENT: Seryn

WORK:
  • Created custom Facebook page with custom coding, 
  • custom design
  • custom introduction video. 
  • Design gives emphasis on three most important actions for visitors to take: "Liking" their page, getting their album, and signing up for their email newsletter. 

CREDIT: 
Photos used in design provided by Chelsea Criss Photography
Video was shot and edited by me (see the video below)

BACKGROUND:
There is an unprecedented opportunity via these social networks to grow an audience and engage your fan base to support your success. However, few people really understand all the ways things like facebook can be used or how to use these tools effectively. 

I support my client's success by helping them learn how to use these social tools effectively. I also specialize in creating custom designs and media for engaging users and growing audiences. 

My raw DSLR rig

Testing my custom set up DSLR rig before flying out tomorrow to shoot Seryn (facebook.com/serynsound) in Atlanta.

My dslr rig with Canon 60D, hands-free shoulder mount, follow focus, 15mm rods, and tripod quick release mount with (borrowed) bogen manfrotto tripod.

Not pictured here is the shotgun mic and lcd monitor.

(download)

 

As indie filmmakers, we become experts in utilizing our resources. There are several things that are genius about this set up, most notably the price. I am able to acheive results and functionality of rigs in the range of $1500-3000 for under $400 (not including camera). Not only is the price of my set up unbeatable, its functionality is really smart. I can flawlessly go from tripod to shoulder mount in 3 seconds.