HDR Photography

So, I only just recently learned about HDR photography, thanks to my friend Dan. And I learned how to snap a shot on my camera. My first attempt honestly is quite horrific, but was kind of a success nonetheless. I was out filming my current project at sunset, and it occurred to me, 'Hey, I should snap an HDR of the sunset.' So I did.

My First HDR Photo

I'm not quite sure I like it. It is something different than I've ever done before. I think I'll try more of these, and hopefully some of the other ones will turn out more successful.

Meanwhile I'd like to leave you with one of the funniest videos I've seen as of recent. Mainly because the reason I want to get into film is because I want to make people laugh. I think that's what makes life worth living... is laughter.

Check this out: Dope Zebra

Lights... Camera... Utah. Wait... What?

Anyplace is a good place to make a film,
Including the women's restroom.

This was a story I wrote for my Media Writing class. Hope you like it.

By Dan Hicken, Tyrone Perry
Wednesday, Dec. 5

UTAH - Mind racing, fingers bent, hands quivering, breathing deeply and eyes searching. These may sound like the traits of every victim in every film you’ve ever seen. However it’s not the actors feeling this way, it’s the amateur filmmakers who are nervously pounding out their next film.

Utah is right. The right place, the right time, and the right location. Filmmaking in Utah has been growing for quite a while now. Most people in the film industry are familiar with Utah’s annual “Sundance Film Festival.” The Sundance Film Festival is one of the most popular film festivals in the world, but it’s not the only film festival here in Utah.

Slamdance is another film festival held at the same time and place as the Sundance Film Festival, and has found talented directors such as Christopher Nolan who is well-known for The Dark Knight, Jared Hess for his film Napoleon Dynamite and Oren Peli and his well-known series Paranormal Activity. Film Festivals are a way for amateur filmmakers to get their start in the film industry. Right now, there is no better place for an amateur filmmaker to be than right here in Utah.

Jared Fadel, an amateur filmmaker from Bountiful, began his career more as an interest in Parkour than in film. His first popular film, “Focus,” was about a local kid who loved Parkour. “Focus” was very successful and ended up winning national recognition. Fadel speaking about his success with the film said, “I entered that into a school PTA contest... well it ended up I won the school level, then I went to district, region, state... and it went to nationals and I ended up winning the national level contest for this film. It was then, that i figured well film is something I think I can do, I think it’s a talent. I wasn’t quite sure but... maybe I should pursue this.”

Johnny Call is another Utah amateur filmmaker that got his start as an improv comedian. He then starred in a short film called “Revved Up Like a Deuce” and before making shorts for the Megaplex Theater pre show. Call who started with amateur film in Utah, has also worked on films in Boise and Denver. When asked about his feelings about Utah’s advantage in film, Call stated, “I’d say we have an edge, we definitely have an edge.”

YouTube is a vital tool for getting exposure and building a reputation as a filmmaker. Two Utahns have gained worldwide recognition for their YouTube videos. Lindsey Stirling is a violinist that is known for her unique style of combining playing violin while performing modern dance. Devin Graham is the filmmaker responsible for many of her YouTube music videos. Chances are you’ve seen a video filmed by Graham. A couple of his really popular videos include, swinging on a rope through the Corona Arch in Moab and his real life video game remake of Assassin’s Creed. Both videos accrued 14 million views each and are still growing. Ronnie Shalvis happens to be the star of the Assassin’s Creed video, and also Fadel’s successful video “Focus.”

Utah has been growing in the movie industry with lots of Hollywood films taking place here. Films such as 127 Hours, the High School Musical series, Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End, The Sandlot and many others. Utah isn’t only a place for big time filmmakers, many amateurs from here are beginning to ‘make a scene’  as well.

It has become apparent that Utah is the place to be for all kinds of films. With the rise of YouTube and amateur film, the future is looking very bright for everyone in the field.