The Amazing Spider-Man
“Peter Parker finds a clue that might help him understand why his parents disappeared when he was young. His path puts him on a collision course with Dr. Curt Connors, his father’s former partner.”
Just a few days ago, Sony Pictures released a new trailer for The Amazing Spider-Man in 3D and I can’t stop marveling! Before this trailer was released I felt as if the movie is going to be an average superhero movie. Now I feel as if the movie has a chance to win awards for their amazing special effects. Only two months away and the countdown officially begins. Until then, take a look at the trailer and tell me what you think.
My YouTube Channel goes over 100,000 views today!
Today I just want to share my excitement for hitting the 100,000 view mark on my YouTube.com/CharlesHeureaux Channel!! It only took 15 months to do it and 6 months to become a partner. Well now everyone can become a partner… but this is amazing!
I remember when I first opened up my channel. I was running a second channel YouTube.com/BlueMonkeyFilm (which has 83,000 currently). On that channel, I upload studio work that solely belongs to my production name Blue Monkey Entertainment. Opening the new account was exciting for me. I began by filming a weekly Vlog and using Camtasia to record weekly Adobe After Effects tutorials.
Since then, the channel has evolved in to my online portfolio. Including music videos, artist promos, commercial, logo animations and more. Hitting 100,000 views is only the beginning. So many accounts have hundreds of thousands of views and up. Until I reach higher viewership, I will bask in my current accomplishment!
Machinima takes on Halo 4!
A year ago, Machinima released a live action version of hit fitting game “Mortal Kombat”. Now they are introducing a new series. A series that has fans and followers begging for a live action series or movie. Well Halo fans, Microsoft has announced that with the release of Halo 4 the video game, “Forward Unto Dawn” the digital series will be released as well! This means, sometime in the last quarter of 2012, Machinima and Microsoft will debut five 15 minute episodes of the Halo 4. ”Forward Unto Dawn” will follow Master Chief’s effect a young cadet from the United Nations Space Command (UNSC).
“Set four years after the events of “Halo 3,” “Halo 4″ sees Master Chief returning to confront his destiny and face an ancient evil that threatens the fate of the entire universe.”
I am super pumped to see this series. Especially since the short viral videos released for the previous games were so good. All indications say that Microsoft has finally heard the fans. They realize want to see Master Chief or any other characters they can muster up, rule the big screen!
Word on the street, Full details of “Forward Unto Dawn” will be revealed this July at San Diego Comic-Con! Giggity
Dallas Cowboys 2012 Draft Results
With the 2012 NFL Draft coming to a close on April 28th, 2012 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, I come to you with my personal fan reaction. Here is the full list of the Dallas Cowboys 2012 Draft Picks:
- Morris Claiborne – Cornerback
- Tyrone Crawford – Defensive End
- Kyle Wilber – Outside Linebacker
- Matt Johnson – Strong Saftey
- Danny Coale – Wide Receiver
- James Hana – Tight End
- Caleb McSurdy – Inside Linebacker
I am thoroughly pleased with the approach to this year’s draft. While it would have been fun to see the cowboys take an explosive Offensive player for the, like they usually do, it was nice to see Jerry Jones finally helped the Dallas Cowboys defense. Trading up to pick Morris Claiborne was totally unexpected and while they could have waited for Dre Kirkpatrick, Morris Claiborne was the better pick! I am a little worried though. With trade talks in the works, Cornerback Mike Jenkins might not be on the roster at the start of the 2012 season…
I understand the reason for the move but the talent of Morris Claiborne translating to the NFL is still unknown. To assume he is going to be the shutdown corner we expect him to be is a bit arrogant. Mike Jenkins could still play out his contact and prove to be a more valuable trade asset if not, quality back-up to Morris Claiborne and Brandon Carr. For now all we can do is sit back and wait to see what the Dallas Cowboys Management staff decides to do. Let’s just hope if they get rid of Mike Jenkins, then the move is well worth it.
On to the rest of the draft, a few players I am eagerly awaiting to see their NFL performances are Tyrone Crawford, Matt Johnson and Kyle Wilber. These three defensive players can become stars, but only if they want to. At defensive end, Tyrone Crawford has the ability to be a starter right out the gate. With a poor pass rush, aside from DeMarcus Ware, Kyle Wilber can unseat himself into the starting role mid-way through the season. As for Matt Johnson, The Dallas Cowboys would like to upgrade Abe Elam as swiftly as possible. Just a few dynamic plays in preseason and he’s in the starting lineup.
The 2012 season is going to be a very interesting season nonetheless. With Tony Romo’s clock ticking, Mike Jenkins playing for a contract extension, DeMarco Murray fighting to hold the starting running back position, to the rest of the NFL and it’s wonders. For now, let all 32 teams salivate in their decisions and come the start of the 2012 season, we will see which draft picks will get a chance to shine!
If you would like to read more about all 7 picks by the Dallas Cowboys, click here to visit NFL.com and read through each draft pick.
Google brings Minority Report to life!
Google Project Glass
I found this really interesting. For almost a month, people have been talking about “Google Project Glass” which is a device that rests over your eyes much like regular glasses.
The design seems really futuristic! I absolutely love it but I have some concerns. For a person who wears glasses already, would this device be easy to wear? Is it comfortable? Will the light outside affect the screen in any sort of way? What ever the case may be, once Google is able to complete the first model, I think it is going to be an amazing purchase! It’s living in Minority Report, just limited to the Google world.
Now the most interesting thing to look out for are the competitors. Will Apple develop a similar prototype or will Microsoft? Can the device partner up with various social media sites? I can’t wait to see what the future of Google Project Glass” has in store for the world. Until then, click here to watch the first prototype!
Attention Models!
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This deal is truly amazing but it will not last so get your Model Reel and be ready for a great summer!
Email us at SkyLifeMedia@gmail.com to order your Model Reel or visit us on our website www.SkyLifeMedia.com where you can sign up for a FREE Model EPK to help showcase your modeling experience online.
Ciao for now models!
I need your help to upgrade my Video Production Equipment
My Story
Since graduating from Full Sail University in March 2011, Charles Heureaux was able to move to Los Angeles California to pursue his career as a successful Producer, Cinematographer, and Editor in the Film, Television and Media Industry. During the journey, Charles has worked on numerous commercials, music videos, artist promos, short films, and many other video related projects. He has also worked with the likes of Celebrity actor Miguel A. Nunez Jr, 2-Time Guinness Book Record holder Singer Brandy Moss-Scott, Double Platinum Rock Band The All-American Rejects, and many more talented people.
The Impact
Although Charles has been able to create wonderful projects, He has only been able to do this with a Canon 60D camera with a stock camera lens and a broken tripod. In upgrading his equipment, Charles will be able to do more with his filmmaking abilities which includes working with children. 6 years ago his nephew Jaylon was born and changed his life. Charles realized there was more to life than partying and having fun. Charles want’s to give back to kids and families alike. Not only does he want to create memorable stories that families can watch together and remember forever, he wants to create a short documentary showing the impact of family time. Parents teaching, spending time and learning from their children. Family is the most important aspect of life to Charles, he always say “Without my family, what’s the point of success”. This is true, because without family who will you have to share life’s most exciting and precious moments.
Equipment
Now-a-days filmmakers can afford great equipment for cheap, compared to larger studio based equipment, but help is still needed. Below is a list of equipment:
- Glidetrack
- Tripod
- Opteka Shoulder Stabilizer
- Canon 50mm Lens
- Zoom H4n Sound Recorder
- AudioTechnica AT875 Short Condenser Shotgun Microphone
- Bower SFD-RL71 Ring Light
- Misc. Camera accessories
The estimated cost of the equipment is $2,000 dollars. Any contribution will help!
Other Ways You Can Help
Even if you’re not able to make a direct contribution, you can still help Charles Heureaux by sharing his campaign with your friends and family on Facebook, Twitter, e-mail, word of mouth, any way you can!
Sponsorship Perks
- For only $1, I will write you a special thank you email/message for your donation.
- For only $10, I will give you a digital copy of my upcoming Documentary film along with a special thank you email/message.
- For only $15, I will give you a special thank you email/message as well as a special thanks credit in my upcoming short Documentary Film.
- For only $25, I will give you both a special thanks credit and a free digital copy of my Documentary Film.
- For only $50, I will put a permanent link on my website to promote your website as one of my supporters.
- For only $100, I will give you a Producer Credit along with the permanent link and digital copy of my Documentary Film.
- For only $150, I will produce 20 second Testimonial for your website as well as the permanent link, digital copy, and Producer Credit in my Documentary Film.
- For only $250, I will produce a quality 30 second commercial for your website or product, plus a Digital Copy and a Producer Credit in my Documentary Film.
- For only $500, I will give you all of the above as well as an Executive Producer Credit in my Documentary Film.
For more information about my SponsorGoal campaign, click here.
Rotoscoping Images using After Effects CS5
While Rotoscoping is no secret nor is it new, it isn’t easy and graphic and video editors are always looking to learn advance editing techniques. Earlier I created an awesome picture of my University with a mountain view. I am sure you have seen people add these types of effects in movie, television shows and graphic designs but did you know it is really easy? Well of course it is…
In todays tutorial I will teach a few techniques to help achieve the look I have created in this graphic design. Before we begin, you can download the project files click the links; Mountain and Full Sail University.
Step 1: Creating the Composition
Open a new composition with the dimension 800 x 450 pixels. Title the composition Scenic View. Make sure the Pixel Aspect Ratio is set to Square Pixels. Once you create the composition, drag the project files into your timeline. Make sure the order of the layers is Full Sail University picture and underneath is the Mountain picture. Resize to make each image fit appropriately in composition.
Step 2: Rotoscoping
I did not mention but for those who have never rotoscoped an image before, this can be a little difficult. As long as you do what I say you shall be fine. Double click the Full Sail University layer. A new viewer allowing you to manipulate the image will appear in the Viewer Pallet. Select the RotoBrush tool and let’s begin rotoscoping. There are two things you need to figure out when rotoscoping; know what you want and what you don’t want. Simple. While moving over your image you shall see a green circle at your cursor. This means what ever you select you will keep. So begin clicking your mouse and dragging the green circle over the university making sure you do not capture the sky. If you do capture the sky don’t worry, this is an easy fix. Press and hold the Option button (Mac), and the green ring shall turn into a red ring. Click and drag your cursor over the sky and it will be unselected. To know if you have selected something it is simple. Everything within the purple outline is what you will keep. All else will be excluded from your compositions. Your image should look like this:
Step 3: RotoBrush Settings
Now that we have RotoScopped the University layer we need to fix the settings. In your effects pallet you settings should be the following; Smooth 1.5, Feather 15%, Choke 10% and select Refine Matte. You can also see the settings in the image above.
Step 4: Color Correction of Full Sail University Layer
Now we will be getting into some advance techniques. First thing, search Exposure in your list of effects under color correction. Drop the Gamma Correction to .80. That was the simple part. Now lets add a Level Adjuster which is also under color correction in your effects. We will need to adjust the RGB levels separately so the two images match in color. So for this you will need to make sure each layer is set to visible. In the view pallet there is an RGB icon next to your resolution drop down menu. Select the RGB icon and a drop down will appear. Click Red. In your Effects Pallets, while Full Sail University layer is selected, Open up your Level options. to the left of channel there is a drop down that says RGB. Click this drop down and select Red. Now we can make sure the Reds in the Full Sail Layer match the Reds in the Mountain. This will take a good eye to make sure it matched. You will have to repeat this step for Green and Blue as well. The settings I have used are the following:
To finish up with this step all we need to do is create a dreamy glare over the right side of the building. It is a little dark. Create a white solid. Create a mask over the right side of the panel. Set the opacity to 50%. Set the layer property to Overlay.
Step 5: Color Grading for Final Effect
Now that all the colors match and the Full Sail University layer is Rotoscoped all we have to do is color grade the entire composition. So for this lets pre-compose the Glare, Full Sail University, & Mountain layers. Title the pre comp Background Pre-Comp. make sure you move all attributes into another composition.
Just a disclaimer before we continue, you will need Film Magic Pro from VideoCopilot to complete the look the way I did it. You can still achieve this effect with other color correction techniques such as applying a curves adjuster or creating solids with specific colors and setting their layer properties to Overlay. But for this tutorial I will be using Film Magic Pro.
Create two adjustment layers and name them Saint & TV Spot 2. Using the saint layer, search your effects & presets pallet for FMP_Saint. Apply it to the Saint Layer. Set the opacity of this layer to 50%. Next you will need to search for FMP_TV-Spot_2. Apply this to the TV Spot 2 layer. Now you are almost finished. Make sure the layer order is the following; Saint, TV Spot 2 & Background Pre-Comp. There you have it. All done. Your image should look like the one above. 
Enjoy and share with all your friends.
Thank you for reading my tutorial and if you have any questions or feedback, please don’t be shy to comment or send me an email at CharlesHeureaux@gmail.com