Honestly... Sports Games

Honestly I think I'm tired of doing the sports games for my college. For me and my work for the newspaper its the same thing every time. I record the game, go to the interview thing and match up highlights to the coach's babbling and that's it. It's not fun, it's boring, it's repetitive. If I could I would make the sports recaps like I did in high school. My work at the newspaper almost feels like its leading me in the wrong direction. I feel like its leading me towards a journalism/reporting career and I hate journalism. I want to go into film production to make movies on the big screen, this job is not pushing me into that direction. Making the sports videos was good in high school because it allowed me to explore the boundaries of my camera and my ability to shoot footage with quick reflexes and then edit the video in any way that I wanted. I guess sometimes you just have to man up and do the the job that your boss tells you even if you don't always like it. You're getting paid so you might as well do it.

Meeting a Celebrity: Mike Posner

From my new apartment, I have to walk behind the auditorium to get to my food place and I managed to see Mike Posner signing autographs for like three other people so I walked over and asked him if I could get a picture with him and he said yes. He had a concert last night. Which is why he was at GVSU.

Mike Posner has made platinum on his albums and has reached over 23 million views on his single, "cooler than me" on youtube.

NEW VIDEO: Love- Light Streaks 2

I've had this video done for about a month or two and I was waiting for the right moment to show it to that special someone. I had her name in the beginning but I removed it for privacy reasons. I thought it was about time for you guys to see the hidden video.

Second attempt at light streaks in after effects. The white smoke hearts are actually made with the same concept as the other colored light streak effects.

Lecture with Simpsons Producer

Being in college has its advantages and today I attended a once in a lifetime lecture with the casting director/producer of the hit TV show, the Simpsons, Bonita Pietila.

She went to Michigan State University and graduated with a degree in Zoology. But how does someone with that degree become a producer? While she attended MSU she worked with POP entertainment, a non-profit group that manages stage performances for the university. Having that experience she moved to LA with her family and got a job as a waitress. As time went on she gained an opportunity to manage a few stage shows and movies. Someone eventually came to her with the Simpsons concept and asked her to find the voices for the characters. Her job was sealed in as the show's popularity increased as the casting director.

Some main points that I pulled from her that I took personally was that "its all about finding a skill and living off that skill. Be resourceful and find areas within your skill to work for." She told animators to show varieties in their demo reels and in interviews, tell the interviewer all your skills instead of one particular thing. The company may need you for more projects and now knowing that you possess other skills, you may be apart of other projects that you would not have normally thought you would be doing. She also said to be honest with interviewers by letting them know who you really are. She also said that, "you don't have to have the same career for the rest of your life. Explore to new horizons and different jobs. Human lifespans are huge and you can do whatever you want in life, don't waste your life doing one job, it takes the fun out of living."

Getting Serious

Whenever I'm stressed out I tend to feel like I'm a way more serious filmmaker. I'm studying from a book called: Master Shots. Its a book of over 100 different professional camera angles. I try to strive to get as professional as possible with each video I make and this book is the ticket to the professional world. I don't even have any film classes and yet I'm studying from this book more than my biology and writing classes. Is this bad? No. Pre-recs are nasty and serve no purpose. I mean they give you a broader education but when everything you're learning from these classes is review from high school, whats the point?

The shows here at Grand Valley on Grand Valley's Television Station(GVTV) are downright disgusting. You'd think they would be good but the acting is terrible, the quality is terrible, the sound typically is terrible and the effects are nasty. I would just love to bring a show to the table filmed on my camera and have it shown on their GVTV network to show everyone up but I don't have the time with all these nasty pre-recs

Back in August I worked as a camera operator for one of the episodes on a show called the Laker Late Show, similar to a david letterman show, and now every time they go through the credits you can see my name under the crew even though I didn't work on the newer episodes. I find this extremely funny, at least my name is getting out there.

New Goal: Get Over 230,000 Views

Everyone who has thought about enrolling at my college or is enrolling has seen the lip dub that was made a few years ago. A lip dub is where music is playing and everyone who is in the video lip syncs to the music as the video moves to new locations. Here's Grand Valley's lip dub:



Grand Valley's lip dub currently has over 230,000 views. Everyone at my college, staff in particular, are super cocky about this stupid video and think its soooo awesome... I agree it had good management and quality but I still think its kinda stupid. My new goal is to make a video on youtube achieve a view count that's higher than the stupid lip dub.

I've reached over 200,000 combined total views throughout all my videos both on my facebook fanpage, vimeo and youtube. Its only a matter of time before I get partnership on youtube and my view count rises beyond that stupid lip dub. With the support of my friends, family and anyone else who enjoys watching my videos, I'm sure we can beat it!

Besides one video, the neon graffiti. I'm all caught up with my videos and school work and with all this free time I shall be going back on facebook. I went almost 4 weeks without using facebook. Cool beans..

NEW VIDEO: I AM SYLAR, 360p lags so make sure you watch it in full 1080p :)

Do what Sylar says( or someone similar to him) or your @ss is grass.

Just another thing that was filmed back in August that was finally finished. Wasn't really going for the effect itself, I was just trying to make a cool looking scene. Sylar head cut effects require real blood pouches and makeup which I don't have.

360p lags so make sure you watch it in full 1080p :)



Behind the scenes:

E3 with Canon

Just recently Canon announced its new top of the line camera. The new Canon EOS-1D X features an 18.1MP full frame CMOS sensor that can capture up to 14 frames per second courtesy of dual DIGIC 5+ processors, along with a third DIGIC 4 processor. The Canon 1D X continues the recent history of blending still image and video functionality with the incorporation of 1920 x 1080p video capture, along with the inclusion of SMPTE timecode, an improved video codec, and processing through the dual DIGIC 5+ processors aimed at reducing aliasing and moire. Additional video improvements include manual audio levels adjustment during video capture and an extended record time of 29 minutes and 59 seconds. It captures up to 12 fps while maintaining AE and AF function, and steps up to 14 fps for mirror-up JPEG only capture. Additionally, the 1D X pushes the low light boundaries beyond any place a still camera has gone before with a massive ISO 50 to ISO 204,800 with expansion settings enabled. The native sensitivity range alone is impressive at ISO 100 to ISO 51,200. The 1D X includes 61 autofocus points, 5 of which (in the center of the frame) are dual cross-type sensors with f/2.8 lenses, along with 21 f/5.6 cross-type sensors and 20 f/4 cross-type sensors. Canon touts that the 1D X is capable of delivering reliable AF performance to light levels of EV -2.

The price for this daddy camera will be $6,800 and will be available in March 2012.

This has now jumped to the top of my wishlist for items to get. Better start saving up.

NEW VIDEO: Clones Test

I had an hour to kill before my communications class so I recorded some some footage of my clones. Its been a while since I've done this effect and I think I really refined it.



The trick to a good clone video or picture is to have your camera on a tripod.

Recent Stuff, Hidden Facebook Message Within Statuses

Its going on two and a half weeks since I've stopped using Facebook and I'm feeling good. No withdrawal symptoms or anything. I found that this blog is way more efficient for expressing anything and Facebook for me is going to be a place for only sharing my videos with friends and talking to relatives.

Like I said in the blog post before this one, I upgraded my computer and I ran a test before the upgrade and it took roughly an hour to render a 3 minute video in full 1920x1080 HD. With the upgrade I was rendering the same video for 28 minutes so I knocked off about 32 minutes of rendering! Cheers!

I often hide things in my facebook statuses that people never pick up on, here's one example of something that I hid back in September. Did the situation go as I'd like it to go? No sir but we'll move on. There is way more people to see in this world and this person was just a stepping stone on the path of life. They don't need me.

Hardware, Software, Most Asked Questions

Many people come to me with questions like, "what software(s) do you use to edit your videos? What kind of computer do you have? Mac? Pc?" Well let me answer those questions now.

What kind of computer do you use? Mac? Pc?

Answer: I use a Pc for a variety of reasons. The first reason is the amount of customization that you can do to a Pc, its way easier to customize than a Mac and you can pack literally the same stuff into it hardware wise that you can to a Mac. Price was another thing, Macs are insanely priced compared to Pcs and everything that a Mac can do, a Pc can do the same if not better with the proper tweaking for a cheaper price.

Final Cut Pro?

Answer: Final Cut Pro is a high end video editing program that is only available on Macs. I use a Pc so of course I can't have access to this software but honestly I don't need it. When you have other softwares that are equally as good as Final Cut Pro, you don't always need the best. Almost every technique that is used to make a video can be carried out into any video program. Its sometimes more about who is behind the computer than what is being run.

Adobe After Effects: For visual effects, Adobe After Effects is the way to go. By far one of the best softwares for composting and creating special effects with videos. I use it for color correction, green screening and all my other special effects. Its NOT the cheapest or easiest software to pick up and go, it requires a lot of time to learn. I recommend all students pick up a cheap student version if they can, its way cheaper than the actual version. It took me over 2 years to understand how to use it efficiently for what I use it for. I still learn new things about it everyday as I branch into new types of media.

Adobe Premiere Pro: When it comes down to the clipping and ordering of the footage that you record, I use Adobe Premiere Pro. Its almost an necessity if you have After Effects. It offers a dynamic link so you don't have to render individual clips, you can just export your video sequence and after effects can read it. Once you apply effects to your sequence you can re-open your sequence in Premiere Pro and do any extra changes that you need to and you're good to go. You don't have to worry about rendering your project multiple times and quality is contained.

Sony Vegas: Its almost identical to Premiere Pro with a few different things. I only use Sony Vegas because it offers real time audio editing which is essential to any filmmaker. It does not offer the dynamic link but it can hold its own in creating some special effects and graphics. Its the perfect audio program editor and junior video editor so I advise everyone to pick this up if they're interested in video editing. It will get the job done.

Where did you learn how to make videos?

Answer: I learned how to make videos at the comfort of my own house. Honestly, I've never sat down and listened to a lecture on how to make videos. Everything I've learned, I've learned from online and through trial and error. That's how dedicated I am to making videos.

I recently just upgraded my laptop so here are my system specs for you computer people:

Asus Notebook G53SW Series:
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2630QM(Quad Core) CPU @ 2.90 GHz
OS: Windows Ultimate 64 Bit
RAM: 14GB
Video Card: Nvidia Geforce GTX 460M Cuda 1.5 GB
Memory: 500GB internal, 2 terabyte external hard drive, SSD: Force GT 120GB w/ 555MB/s Read and 515 mb/s write.

NEW VIDEO: After Effects: Muzzle Flash Improvement Test

Here's some old footage that was filmed a few months ago. Just improving my muzzle flashes and showing off some new tricks. Youtube janked up the audio a bit but I'm not upset that much.

First Person Point of View: We filmed the first person point of view by having Ethan hold the bottom legs of the tripod and I held the front on my shoulder. I aimed the gun with my right arm and Ethan kept the camera leveled and steady.

Oh mah daze...

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New Fascination towards Black and White Films

Last night randomly I came across a channel, might have been the history channel or comedy channel but I stumbled upon a black and white film called, "The Cameraman."

The story tells of Buster (Buster Keaton), a tintype portrait photographer who develops a crush on Sally (Marceline Day), a secretary who works for the MGM's newsreel department. Hoping to impress her, he purchases an out-of-date movie camera and attempts to get a job in the newsreel department as a cameraman. He is thwarted in his endeavor by Harold (Harold Goodwin), a current cameraman who recognizes Buster's inexperience and also has designs on Sally. Sally suggests that Buster film anything and everything, but Harold's suspicions prove true; Buster's footage is always useless. Sally gives him a tip that something big is going to happen in Chinatown and he should film it. Buster goes to film it and well I'm going to let you watch it because that's where the good part comes in. Its very humorous and was ranked #331 on the list of 1000 greatest movies of all time.

Another great black and white film that I enjoy is Alfred Hitchcock's Thriller, "Psycho." The film depicts the encounter between a secretary, Marion Crane (Leigh), hiding at a secluded motel after embezzling money from her employer, and the motel's disturbed owner and manager, Norman Bates (Perkins), and their famous encounter. Classified as one of the best drama, horror, mystery and Thriller movies of all time.

I'm not sure where this new fascination for black and white films is coming from considering that I'm all for the new age film look and special effects to tell my stories, but seeing these films is better helping me understand the basis of which filmmakers and movies spawned from, also by gaining a new appreciation towards a new type of media that I've never searched into.

I highly recommend the two films above and I hope to make a sweet black and white film someday in honor of the famous black and white films era.

Edward Sedgwick's "The Cameraman"

Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho"

Catching Up With Videos

Its been about three days since I stopped using Facebook. I have an urge to access Facebook almost every time I get online. I wonder if I could avoid using it for a month? Everyday at college I'm questioning if this college is the right place to achieve the level of professionalism that I'm capable of in making videos. Juniors and Seniors in the major are shocked at the special effects that I've made and the quality that I've achieved in my videos. I'm hoping that when I start some actual filmmaking classes that I will excel to new levels with my current knowledge beyond all other students. Going back to catching up, I will return to facebook when I get the following videos done:

-Muzzle Flash Improvement Test 2

-Heroes: Sylar Head Slice Effect

-Otsego Vs Allegan, Homecoming Highlights

-Neon Graffiti w/ music by Emily Bjelica 

-Courtyard Energy

-Fire Effects Test

I won't post any links or videos on the Facebook fanpage so anyone who has been checking the blog or has been loyal will get to be the first to view the videos. Catch you all later

Ethan showing off his gun in MFIT2

Taking a break from Facebook

I'm taking a break from facebook for the time being. I need to catch up on a lot of things and facebook is one thing that is slowing me down a bit. If I make any new videos they will be uploaded on my youtube channel and will be posted on here(the blog). If you need to contact me call me @269-929-8623, send me an email at Ryan@ryanrakowski.com or on skype: username Atomicflame35. Catch you all later.

Relationships

I've probably had about 3-4 good relationships in the past few years. I'm the type of boyfriend that a girl could count on for anything. I would spoil her and make her feel like she's the most special person in the world. I would always tell her the truth and I'd let her know if something is bothering me. I'd be a gentle lover, would be loyal to her and would make sure that no harm would ever come to her.

I'm not that picky. If a girl has similar traits that I do and she's decent looking then she's good enough for me. The predicament that I'm in right now is that I'm stuck between two options. I'm sorta in a long distance relationship but I can't really call it a relationship because nothing serious has happened, however I care a great deal about this girl and I believe she does the same. Do I abandon this girl that I really care about in the "long distance thing" for someone else that I don't know as well and could possibly leave me heartbroken? If I date this new girl and it goes far will I feel any regret towards my decision?

Are we destined to be with our one soul mate or is love just a hit or miss type of deal? Maybe this is a stupid topic and I should just shut up. Darn, Love stinks...

Song that's on my mind: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6f4a3cpSow

My Dreams, Hopes for the Future

For the longest time I believed I had the skill of precognitive dreaming, or dreaming the future. Like I would sleep and dream about something, have no idea of what the dream was and then in X amount of time later I would experience like a shock of Deja Vu of already experiencing the event(the dream). Its happening more and more but I can't confirm that I'm a psychic yet.

The topic of this blog post is my dream, my vision for what I want to do with my career. Right now I'm working for a student run newspaper called the Lanthorn as a Videographer. I do not like this job as much as I should. Its more geared towards journalism and communications than film production. I'm forced to record specific events such as sports games, breaking news, etc. and edit the video with specific guidelines. I like recording the sports games but my motto is do not tell me how to do my videos unless you're going to pay me. The way I improve from my videos best is through trial and error so if I make a bad video, tell me so I can improve upon it in the next video. I will not make the same mistake twice. Most people don't know this but I've never taken a film class in high school, I'm self taught. The way I taught myself how to make videos and special effects was through endless attempts of trial and error, figuring out what looks good and what doesn't. That's how most artists work. 

After college I'm currently expecting to do a lot of freelance work. I'll start venturing out for movie sets with camera operator jobs and or professional editor jobs when I believe that I've reached a certain level of perfection. I'll meet people and join circles of people who work together. My short term goal at the moment is to get my name on the big screen. After meeting tons of people from different fields within the movie business I will round everyone I know that seeks the same level of perfection as I do and I will direct and produce my own video for the big screen. That is my long term goal, to create my own film for the big screen. 

Nothing is impossible. If you have a dream, never give up on it. I will make my way into the movie business and I will accomplish my dreams. Just you wait.

Song that's currently stuck in my head: 

Jack's Mannequin - Dark Blue: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQOIJDE3RhA&ob=av2e

Introduction

Alrighty so here we go. My name is Ryan Rakowski. I am a college student studying film and video with an emphasis on special effects and cinema studies. I'm starting this blog because I feel that there are many events that happen in my life that I often forget about that would be useful to share with the world. I have no idea how many people will eventually read this but this may be nice to look back at.

Why should you continue reading? Well, this is probably the only place where I'm going to talk about the specifics of my life. Facebook is no longer going to be the main place where I dispose my life stories and thoughts. I'm going to express about how I feel about issues and you can gain a better perspective about what type of person I am. In fact I'm thinking about disabling my facebook account. The only reason I use facebook is to share my videos to my friends back home and to communicate to some of my top friends. I could disable it and just continue using skype and Youtube. "Deactivation of Facebook" will be a nice topic for a future blog post.

When you first meet me in public I'm typically the guy who wouldn't say anything unless talked upon first. I may seem grouchy but I'm really a warm teddy bear at heart once you get to know me. I love taking pictures, making graphics in Photoshop, recording a video, editing a video, adding special effects to a video etc. Ironically I'm an artsy guy but I'm terrible at drawing. If you asked me to draw a portrait of myself you'd get a potato person with some hair and scrawny looking arms. A lot of people frown upon artsy people as gays because of their exquisite ideas but I am straight and I love women.

I love music. I can listen to just about anything and not have a problem.  Specifically I love the easy listening music like John Mayer, The Fray, Jack Johnson and Coldplay. It lowers your heart rate and calms you down after a long day's work. At the end of every blog post I'm going to post a YouTube link to a song that's on my mind or a song that reflects how I feel.

Going back to how and why I started a blog, a friend of mine by the name of Maddog started a blog and I liked her blog so I'm slightly copying her haha. I don't really know how to end this other than I hope you give my blog a chance and that I hope to see you later.