The Christmas Shootout: Part 2 from Philip Bloom on Vimeo.

Please read my blog post for all the info you need including how the cameras were set up. Which cameras were used and so much more!

Part 1 is about resolution. Part 2 is skin tones, codecs and low light

www.philipbloom.net/?p=16350

Please remember the C300 is pre-production so may not be representative of the final image

Dear MovieMaker (and Shaker!) for Yeshua,

Today is the first day of your (continued?) unleashed creativity in film. With today’s phones (one of which, you’re highly likely to have in your pocket or on your desk within reach – right NOW) and with today’s inexpensive cameras (like the following), you can scribble some ideas on a piece of paper (or phone) and script, storyboard and shoot a short film, promotional video, commercial, music video or (even) a feature length, Biblically-based sci-fi and then market and distribute that puppy to the world.. from your kitchen table.

That makes for quite a load of opportunity on your lap. Really, the most expensive budget item is your time!

So! Without further ado, I want to share 2 articles for the day -

One which focuses on my favorite 2 prosumer cameras, the Panasonic GH2 (mine) and the Canon 60D - http://dslrhd.com/2010/12/panasonic-gh2-vs-canon-60d/

And another which features the comparing of these types of low-end cameras (my GH2 with the Driftwood 170 MB hack) up against the current crop of higher-end, state-of-the-art professional cameras out there – the Canon C300, the Sony FS100, F3 and Panasonic AF101 - http://philipbloom.net/2012/01/06/christmas-shootout/

Smash your “TV” – Make True Vision. No compromise on YHWH’s holiness!

YES, YOU CAN! (Philippians 4:13 – Isaiah 61) I can do all things through Messiah, who strengthens me.

SO … here it is! One hour to conceive, write, locate, hire local police (sort of), shoot and wrap! One hour. Add a BOMB in Motion 5 and this is what you get!

Song about my King written last month - Tom

Here is an expert who, although maybe not a believer – who can know what a person believes without an abundant “testimony of Yeshua that distinguishes the spirit of prophecy” at the end of the age of empires and dictators. Perhaps we’ll never know…

With a prayer for mercy upon his soul, I urge you to study the insights of this video professional. He is “Video Journalist” of the Photographic Journalist stripe.

http://www.dslrnewsshooter.com/2011/05/20/whats-in-a-name-do-i-call-myself-a-photojournalist-videographer-or-documentary-film-maker/

On last Sunday’s 3 PM Central “MMASFY cast” (archived at Livestream.com/mmasfy), I talked about the “banner” concept that runs through the Ancient, Holy Hebrew Scriptures.

Marketing and Sales: poles for banners.

It’s been said of me that I’ll never make a great salesman. My flesh would agree, but my spirit bristles to the accusation and refuses to back down.

We can promote – and close – our causes/products/films in Christ because He lives inside of us to do so! And today, when I saw this “5 second” article and new it was more than another marketing article, that it’s grooving right along with the banner theme YHWH gave just last Sunday.

http://smallbusiness.foxbusiness.com/marketing-sales/2011/03/09/second-rule/

The entire study in the Scriptures of “banners” is profound as it relates to our media products – even to the marketing and selling of those products. It will lead you to a much more integrated view of landing your film / podcast series / training or demo video / ministry promotional on the screens you’re seeking.

Commit your way – practically and with focused Scripture-backed zeal – and you’ll experience the Father’s “commanded blessing” (Deuteronomy 28:1-14- see below) with the greatest focus and success imaginable.

The kind of success that comes down from above, from the Father of Lights, in Whom there is no variableness or shifting shadow…

Exodus 17:15: Moses built an altar, and called its name the LORD our Banner.
Ezekiel 27:7: Fine linen from Egypt, woven with patterns, was used for your sail to serve as your banner; blue and purple from the coastlands of Elishah was used for your deck’s awning.
Psalms 60:4: You have given a banner to those who fear you, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.
Song of Solomon 2:4: He brought me to the banquet hall. His banner over me is love.
Isaiah 5:26: He will lift up a banner to the nations from far, and he will whistle for them from the end of the earth. Behold, they will come speedily and swiftly.
Isaiah 11:10: It will happen in that day that the nations will seek the root of Jesse, who stands as a banner of the peoples; and his resting place will be glorious.
Isaiah 11:12: He will set up a banner for the nations, and will assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.
Isaiah 13:2: Set up a banner on the bare mountain! Lift up your voice to them! Wave your hand, that they may go into the gates of the nobles.
Isaiah 18:3: All you inhabitants of the world, and you dwellers on the earth, when a banner is lifted up on the mountains, look! When the shofar is blown, listen!
Isaiah 30:17: One thousand will flee at the threat of one. At the threat of five, you will flee until you are left like a beacon on the top of a mountain, and like a banner on a hill.
Isaiah 31:9: His rock will pass away by reason of terror, and his princes will be afraid of the banner,” says the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.
Isaiah 49:22: Thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I will lift up my hand to the nations, and set up my banner to the peoples; and they shall bring your sons in their bosom, and your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders.
Isaiah 62:10: Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way of the people! Cast up, cast up the highway! Gather out the stones! Lift up a banner for the peoples.

http://www.freegrace.net/dfbooks/dfnamesgodbk/names4.htm the following by Don Fortner carries the Banner of Messiah Yeshua high -

“…there is a rest yet to come in glory beyond our highest imagination (Heb. 4:9). Ever fix your eyes upon Jehovah-Nissi – the Lord our Banner. Set your heart upon Christ your Banner. Be courageous. Carry your Banner with you wherever you go. And live in this confidence: JEHOVAH-NISSI – THE LORD OUR BANNER, shall be our Banner forever. Always stay close to him (Ps. 20:5).”

Read more.

The banner is lifted up and displayed as the point of union. Countrymen have many things about which they have little quarrels. But let an enemy invade the land and every patriot will rally around the flag…
The commanded blessing: Deuteronomy 28: 1-14 (verse 8, especially)

1  It shall happen, if you shall listen diligently to the voice of the LORD your God, to observe to do all his commandments which I command you this day, that the LORD your God will set you on high above all the nations of the earth: 2  and all these blessings shall come on you, and overtake you, if you shall listen to the voice of the LORD your God. 3  You shall be blessed in the city, and you shall be blessed in the field. 4  You shall be blessed in the fruit of your body, the fruit of your ground, the fruit of your animals, the increase of your livestock, and the young of your flock. 5  Your basket and your kneading trough shall be blessed. 6  You shall be blessed when you come in, and you shall be blessed when you go out. 7  The LORD will cause your enemies who rise up against you to be struck before you. They will come out against you one way, and will flee before you seven ways. 8  The LORD will command the blessing on you in your barns, and in all that you put your hand to; and he will bless you in the land which the LORD your God gives you. 9  The LORD will establish you for a holy people to himself, as he has sworn to you; if you shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and walk in his ways. 10  All the peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of you. 11  The LORD will make you plenteous for good, in the fruit of your body, and in the fruit of your livestock, and in the fruit of your ground, in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers to give you. 12  The LORD will open to you his good treasure in the sky, to give the rain of your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand: and you shall lend to many nations, and you shall not borrow. 13  The LORD will make you the head, and not the tail; and you shall be above only, and you shall not be beneath; if you shall listen to the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day, to observe and to do, 14  and shall not turn aside from any of the words which I command you this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

Tom “Toma” Chaffer here. Blessed beyond imagination to be able to present you Media Makers and Shakers for Yeshua with an AWESOME job opportunity!

Although a (currently) very real opportunity, I’d like to also suggest the following serves as an EXCELLENT “modus operandi” for the media makers for Yeshua who REALLY want to “shake up da world!” For real. Ponder this:

- – -
Media Coordinator

The Mission
International Justice Mission is a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. IJM lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals work with local officials to ensure immediate victim rescue and aftercare, to prosecute perpetrators and to promote functioning public justice systems.

The Need
International Justice Mission is seeking a Media Coordinator to play an instrumental role in advancing IJM’s national, regional and international media presence and brand reputation. This person will be tasked with driving logistical support for full life-cycle media processes and projects, and serve as the point of contact for media inquiries.

Responsibilities
* Serve as project manager for all media-related and public affairs projects; working with the appropriate team members to ensure all elements are delivered on time and within the highest quality standards;
* Provide administrative support to the Chief Media & Public Affairs Strategist including scheduling meetings and budget administration;
* Assist in drafting, editing and distributing press releases for key media projects;
* Conduct necessary research to assist the Media Team in pitching stories to media outlets and prepping IJM staff/speakers for interviews;
* Draft relational correspondence including letters, proposals and reports related to media, public affairs and/or speaking engagements; and
* Conduct necessary research to grow and maintain IJM’s database of media outlets and reporters.

Skills and Experience
* Demonstrated experience managing a large number of projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with minimal oversight;
* Excellent written communication skills within the media context, including writing/copy editing experience;
* Proven ability to communicate orally in a clear and persuasive manner;
* Demonstrated ability to develop effective working relationships;
* Bachelor’s Degree in Communications or a related field; and
* Experience working in a Media outlet preferred.

Critical Qualities
* Mature orthodox Christian faith as defined by the Apostles’ Creed;
* Winsome demeanor;
* Strong attention to detail;
* Disciplined with priorities and ability to multi-task; and
* Adept at creative problem solving.

Organization Information
* Competitive salary, medical, dental and retirement benefits;
* Position reports directly to the Chief Media & Public Affairs Strategist;
* Position based at IJM Headquarters in the Washington, DC area; and
* Applications accepted until the position is filled.

See the original posting on IJM.org.

Keep your dreams in focus – more focus than ever before. Write the vision down, make it plain on tablets of stone! So that people can read it and RUN WITH YOU! (Habakkuk 2:2)

Focus on the first commandment and making it truly first in your lives! Yeshua is WORTHY of our praise – and labor! Let’s make shorts, commercials, podcasts, documentaries, ministry videos and feature length films in 2011 that give the Lamb the reward of His sufferings – leading souls (lost and saved!) close to the heart of Yeshua by EXALTING His name – the name of Yeshua (Jesus)!

I was privileged to join with about 25,000 others at the Onething gathering put on by IHOP-KC these last few days. Much worship of King Yeshua and interceding in prayer for the nations took place in an atmosphere of solemnity and joy like no other gathering I’ve been to of any sort. If you’re looking for any this New Year’s Day, there’s bound to be some inspiration for you in the video archives (click image below)

Also I’ve included some very practical direction from Larry Jordan, an amazing resource for video creators (just below image). Think about subscribing to his awesome (free) newsletter!

And bless you! Go forth and make moves that SHAKE for Yeshua!

Excellent Media 2011 Overview from Larry Jordan:
1. Budgets will never go back to where they were.
2. The increasing expectation that one person should “do it all.”
3. Media technology is ubiquitous.
4. There is a total disconnect between production and distribution, and neither side respects the other.
5. Tapeless media is a fact of life.
6. “The Cloud” is absolutely a two-edged sword.
7. Our audience is impatient.
8. It’s become a “download world.”
9. Audiences expect everything to be free, or, at least, really, REALLY cheap.
10. The demise of traditional media means that marketing is more diversified, more complex, and more critical than ever before.
11. “Good enough” is good enough.

MORE – http://www.larryjordan.biz/nxltrs/nxltr_74.html (you may want to subscribe to this one, too – Larry’s awesome!) -

This is a first! Major Hollywood production company, The Bandito Brothers (Documentarians of Step into Liquid and the upcoming Waiting for Lightning about Skateboard phenomenon Danny Way) used the Canon CMOS-based (read “wiggly cam”) 5dmkII and 7d cameras to shoot an extensive (militarily funded) documentary of Navy Seals in their (almost) natural habitat. Although events weren’t LIVE warfare, the simulation is, apparently, convincing.

But the lessons I learned on the webcast last Tuesday with DP, Shane Hurlbut and Head of Post, Jacob Rosenberg, are multitudinous. I’m still processing, but there were vivid lessons in

• types of gear required for (amazingly) fast acquisition,
• techniques for deployment of an effective DSLR Production,
• technical considerations for post processing (all Adobe Premiere edits)

Great set of articles here that cover the DSLR shift (in their humble opinion).

Here’s the link to the Videography Mag Webinar (requires signup.. maybe cash) for more info orrrr…  if you would like, you can also contact me (Tom).

Jackson has a long history with RED, dating back to when he directed the short film ‘Crossing the Line’ as a very early test of prototype RED ONE cameras. “I have always liked the look of Red footage.” he says, “I’m not a scientist or mathematician, but the image Red produces has a much more filmic feel than most of the other digital formats. I find the picture quality appealing and attractive, and with the Epic, Jim and his team have gone even further. It is a fantastic tool, the Epic not only has cutting edge technology, incredible resolution and visual quality, but it is also a very practical tool for film makers. Many competing digital systems require the cameras to be tethered to large cumbersome VTR machines. The Epic gives us back the ability to be totally cable free, even when working in stereo.”

Read the rest of the Nov. 28 post, “Hobbits on Red Epics…” at RedUser.net

Well, guess what? RED.com has made some big changes to their site! Those changes include some verrrry interesting references to said “Scarlet!”

Have a look!

Also, some great videos here.

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20101013007029/en/Panasonic-Announces-December-Delivery-Pricing-AG-AF100

This is the camera to get (for the price) for the next 6 to 12 months.

Unless, of course, the RED Scarlet materializes sometime soon. Then that will top this.

If you don’t already have a tool that works. And IF you have the extra 3 to 5 grand in this economy!

But, still. Nice to admire the crafstmanship these guys are cranking out so YESHUA (Jesus) can be GLORIFIED!

I think this shows how low a budget can go and still communicate a slice of eternity. I’d venture a guess that Yeshua will look on this music video with more pleasure than others that cost millions to make!

Great job, Jacob and Adam.

But I sense it’s pathos does not incline towards the distinct glorification of Yeshua.

Why is that, do you suppose? Is He not worthy of our rapt attention in film?

A DVD of your latest movie, perhaps?

As “FilmPreneurs,” we need to be super creative. The MMASFY crew are already graced by some of the most cutting edge filmpreneurs to date. And the one thing that sets us apart from all of the others hoping for enough financial success to sustain the lifestyle of a filmmaker?

Great sales using great marketing skills!

Case in point, B & H Photo, New York, NY. I’ve been a fan of theirs since before moving to New York in 1989 (stayed a little over a year – whew!). The “films” they make – video.bhphotovideo.com -  actually number over 410! These “hands-on tutorials” are designed to entertain and educate and provide one desired result – that, through what’s called “permission marketing,” you grow to trust B & H and actually think of them when it comes to purchasing time… even if their costs are slightly higher than what the market is bearing elsewhere.

How does all this apply to us indy storytellers for Yeshua? Focus on your Video Podcasts!

Look at how one of our favorite forerunner film teams, who make movies as singularly for the  glory of YHWH in Yeshua (Jesus) as is humanly possible, Sherwood Baptist Church and Sherwood Pictures does it!

Consider how effective “permission marketing” becomes when you take the time – as the Courageous crew has done – to share your moments, your wins, your losses… your goals and visions. This becomes the ideal staging area for someone in today’s hustle-bustle, information overload world to feel connected… and to give you permission to cast your vision… a place to speak intimately into their lives…

Perhaps even more so than in the theater!

And I’m not making any money from BHPhoto for all this! They just inspired the heck outta me and I’m truly inspired myself to share more videos! (I put up an audio recently and I have a video coming soon.)

Excelsior in Yeshua, the Light of the world!

A screen shot from Standing Firm by Praise Pictures.

And, I believe, this movie, along with others being made with the new tools available to us at the end of the age of the gentiles, will be referenced for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Why do I say that? Because of the time we’re living in.. we are living at the height of Earth’s corruption and mankind’s avarice and in the midst of that, there is a shining light of hope in the Christian community worldwide. Angels long to see what Yeshua is doing with His Bride!

Concerning this salvation, the prophets sought and searched diligently… for who or what kind of time the Spirit of Christ, which was in them, pointed to, when he predicted the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that would follow them. To them it was revealed, that not to themselves, but to you, they ministered these things, which now have been announced to you through those who preached the Good News to you by the Holy Spirit sent out from heaven; which things angels desire to look into. (1st Peter 1:10-12)

I’ve been working on a script for several years (and 8 children!) and one of the things I want to “find” with my script is the organic process I believe happens when you allow the Holy Spirit to “get in there” – in the mix – and make Himself known.

Filmmakers are in a kind of “double bind” – the medium almost negates the chance for authentic, intimate moments. Case in point, Director says with faster than normal, not meeting deadline, anxious voice, “Ok. She’s in love with you. You’re just recognizing it. Ok. Act! (shouts) Ready on the set! Lights! Roll tape! ACTION!…” Not quite conducive to the gentle, romantic experience, is it? Maybe if you eat, drink and breathe on set in Hollywood… but who wants to live like THAT?

I submit that the method of communication called “film” or “movies” – DVDs, BluRay, etc – belongs to YHWH. And, yet, the use of this communication, along with the printed word (which is no different, really), has been VIOLENTLY CONTESTED by the kingdom of darkness. And the “ekklesia” – the Church – has been losing the battle.

Whether believing farmers battling for supremacy in the field of seed genetics (keeping it “organic” rather than “roundup ready”) or believing media producers in the field of communications, there IS a battle for the very atoms of our planet – whether seed atoms or light atoms. Will you engage it with the Word of YHWH, which is the sword of the Spirit (Heb. 4:4-14)? Or will you surrender to the “powers that be” and let them strip your children of seed and light in the generations following yours? Call it culture war, call it “reasonable service of worship”… if we don’t engage this battle, our children will suffer dearly. It is a battle for “the laws of nature and nature’s God” (USA’s Founding Fathers, Declaration of Independence)… and nothing less.

It is a battle to retain “organic expression…” a battle for love. Love of God, love of people, love of land, and love of the free and honest expression of those grand themes.

Yeshua longs for people who won’t “suppress the truth in unrighteousness. Because that which is known of God is revealed in (people), for God revealed it to them. For the invisible things of Him (since the creation of the world) are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even His everlasting power and divinity… (and yet still) knowing God, they don’t glorify Him as God, neither do they give thanks” for His glorious Presence, Creation and Love.

And Yeshua loves light. It was the first thing He established from within the bosom of the Father. “Let there be light,” He sang… establishing some kind of molecular basis for all we see … and all the myriad spiritual orchestration we cannot see.

As we capture light on our hard drives and memory cards (and film?), we should find new ways to BYPASS all the artificially generated emotions so often portrayed on film. What if the “Lights! Camera! Action!” of the “set” is just a bad design for the movie-making process? As believers and intercessors with King Yeshua, we should seek to let the Holy Spirit help us capture figments of light that MAGNIFY the Creator’s “everlasting power and divinity” and give transparency and purity to the human experience on planet Earth.

What Kyle and Ransomville did with the Standing Firm movie, I think, is very similar to what we capture here in Kansas City on ThePrayerRoom.TV – a 24-hour-a-day reality. An authentic expression of the Body of Messiah – filled with prayer, praise and the YHWH who loves to dwell richly amidst people who live like that! Kyle mentions in his behind the scenes piece that he pretty much “showed up” every day for years… praying, playing, designing, writing, crying, loving… basically life. And it shows on film.

MMASFY actors, forerunners who cling only to Yeshua – not “fame” in any of sordid manifestations, don’t “act.” They intercede. Every performance is a prayer. That’s what makes the difference.

And that’s what sets this film apart, I think.

Blessings to you, Ransomville… and Kyle Prohaska. May your righteousness go before you and the glory of the Lord be your rear guard. (Isaiah 58)

I bring this to the table because in that moment God really struck me with reality.  I think this is a problem that we all face everyday as artists, especially filmmakers.  We see some great art (or in this case, films) around us and are drawn to those because of their artistry and quality.  I think because of that we compromise our spiritual integrity, and all of it in the name of art or as I’ve heard other Christian filmmakers say (and unfortunately I’ve said it as well)…”research.”

So!

Tues. Evening MMASFY-bro, Bob Waldrop and I got together and dropped MASSIVE prayers for Yeshua and for you all to GET HEAVEN’S MEDIA and then get it OUT.

Also, spent time with a good friend, Mike Haack – who has sooo much to offer the Christian Filmmaker’s community – both as a teacher and as a filmmaker. He obviously has the heavens COOKIN’ over his head! What a guy.. and what a testimony of Yeshua.. and what FILMS are going to come out of his life and ministry!

Already he does beautiful work for IHOP-KC – as a filmmaker and teacher at IHOPU.

Blessings, movie makers. We can do this!