Friend and film maker Jim Fields of Short Suit Productions has begun a bi-weekly roundup of China based video, film and DSLR news. Here’s what Jim has to say about his new email venture:
Short Suit Productions has begun a biweekly roundup covering Chinese film, language and culture. This is a bi-weekly newsletter that aims to cover these topics at least marginally, providing relevant information for people living in China, China watchers, or perhaps just people with an interest in film (specifically, in DIY and DSLR film production).
Short Suit Productions (SSP) is a Beijing-based production company run by Jim Fields and Stephen Goldberg. We offer start-to-finish, bilingual video production services, ranging from advertising, to short film, to various publicity pieces. We’ve worked with many Chinese and Western clients in the past – diverse companies like China’s BTV, Under Armour, International Bridges for Justice, and Nokia.
这是一封旨在将关于在中国生活、与中国动态相关或者仅仅是与电影相关(特别是对独立制作影片 或单反电影制作的电影人来说)的信息传达给您的半月刊性质的邮件,如果以上相关信息没有您喜 爱或关注的,烦请移动您的鼠标至邮件最下方:您可以点击相关链接,取消此邮件的订阅。
While Short Suit Productions gets their web site together, I’m happy to share with you their links for this addition. There are a ton of great resources for DSLR shooters and film makers out there and there are tons of great China news roundups; however, Jim and Stephen have localized information to those in China who have an interest or work with video — and for the past month they’ve found some great links. Here’s Jim’s Reel along with the links they’ve so graciously collected and shared. If you want to get on the list to receives these emails click here.
From below on, assume any reference to “I” is Jim speaking.
This email, will be split into three parts: (1) Chinese linguistic and cultural updates (2) Film updates, gear, production techniques, screenings (3) Jobs/ Gigs/Misc, which is just what it sounds like.
Chinese
Wen Jiabao Playing Basketball:
… apparently, Premier Wen Jiabao can really hoop it up. Pretty unbelievable footage
Chinese Immigrants Crash New York City Onboard Luxury Liner:
… an enterprising Malaysian guy named Fatt Kwee Wong recently tried to sneak 9 Chinese immigrants on a cruise ship from Dubai to NYC. Very ostentatious.
The People of China’s Ad Industry: Tom Doctoroff
"There are two key differences. First, all benefits in China are externalized; Chinese egos are huge — I always say every Chinese has a dragon in his or her heart — and they demand societal acknowledge for their contributions to and success within society. They are not individualistic in a Jeffersonian sense as are Westerners, who respond, in many cases, to “internalized” benefits."
…Awesome interview with Tom Doctoroff about advertising here in China. Really valuable points about the strengths and weaknesses of Western and Chinese approaches to advertising, and a good read too –
Jenny’s Guide to Chinese Accents
Good, easy-to-understand differentiating between Beijing, Dongbei, Fujian, Guangdong, and Shanghai accents. Quick, fun read.
Mobb Deep Shook Ones Part 2 (YOUKU; WITH CHINESE SUBTITLES):
… someone went through the trouble of translating Shook Ones Pt. 2 and translating it into Chinese. Great for anyone looking to brush up on their Mandarin gangsta terminology. Lot of gems throughout the video.
GOP12.com: Jon Hunstman Speaking Mandarin Chinese (YOUTUBE)
Every article about Jon Huntsman has some brief mention of his “fluent mandarin Chinese…” watching this clip sort of freaks me out. His pronunciation certainly isn’t “fluent” but he’s not horrible either. Interesting that he’s using Chinese on the campaign trail.
Rapping Chinese Grandma
… just what it sounds like. Fun video.
The Bilingual Advantage
Knowing another language besides your native tongue can delay Alzheimer’s, make you a better multitasker, and even make your neural processes faster in general – whoo hoo!
The Perils of Subtitling and Translation in Video
… this kind of falls in between Film and Chinese, so I’m putting it last. Excellent article about how to go about faithfully communicating people’s meaning and voice in interviews, written by excellent visual journalist Jonah Kessel.
Film
Philip Bloom – Short Film on Arri Alexa with 3D Mic Pro
Philip Bloom, as usual, showing off the best equipment available. Wish I could get my hands on an Arri Alexa for a shoot; looks like an awesome camera. Shooting in ProRes has got to make production such a breeze. 3D Mic Pro is interesting too – not sure why you wouldn’t just do more sound design in post with the 1,600 US price tag, but hey, if you’ve got it, flaunt it.
The Minimalist Video Production Kit
How to use a golf bag, a toolbox, and small camera case to one-man-band productions. Seems a lot easier to move around than the kit I personally use – he says it only takes on trip from the car to his set.
Online Video Start-Ups seek Niche Beside YouTube
Interesting NYtimes piece about Blip.tv and other online video services that prioritize good content, unlike the free-for-all YouTube model. Seems like an encouraging development for any aspiring filmmakers out there with good ideas, but without an obvious path to distribution.
Black Swan VFX Before and After Video (YouKu) (YouTube)
… I finally watched Black Swan, about 4 years after everyone else. In any case, i was pretty blown away by the VFX throughout, which are showcased in the above video. Slightly different videos on YouTube and YouKu, but same basic content in both. Very cool stuff.
TeraDek Streaming from 5DMk2 to iPad
VERY cool stuff for any DSLR filmmaker out there… stream from your 5d to an iPad for easy monitoring during shoots.
Jobs/Gigs/Misc
1) We’re looking for a 3D video artist /VFX specialist to do some work – specifically, someone who can animate 3d transformer models. If you provide the 3d rigged models, or if you already have them, that’s a big plus. Email shortsuitproductions@gmail.com with samples and typical rates for a 30-second piece for more information. Thanks!Hope to hear from you soon!
短西服产业现在正在寻找一位志同道合的3D专业技师/特效专业师完成相关合作工作-特别是能够完成3D变形金刚建模及后续工作的专业人才。如果您可以提供 3D操纵模型，亦或您已拥有相关变形金刚的3D模型，那就更完美了。有意者烦请将您的作品样片、30秒相关水平制作报价及您的简介一并发送邮件至：shortsuitproductions@gmail.com 非常感谢！敬候佳音！
2) Nathan’s Hot Dogs is looking for Chinese citizens to participate in a Hot Dog eating competition this upcoming Saturday, June 18th! If you have any friends who are both a) Chinese citizens and b) big eaters, send an email toshortsuitproductions@gmail.com. The contest will be held in Beijing, so obviously the person should be local here. The winner of this contest gets a free trip to NYC to participate in another hot dog eating contest there! There are less than 15 people participating, so if you have any friends who want a free trip to NY, encourage them to come out and munch down some dogs. ALSO! If they do win, they will need a PASSPORT in order to travel, so please seek out your passport-carrying friends if you want them to participate.
3) I recently got contacted by a friend at a large (unnamed) tech company has a marketing position that just opened up locally in Beijing – they’re seeking candidates with a marketing/entrepreneurial background, who can communicate with 100% fluency in English and intermediate proficiency or better in Chinese. Local and foreign hires both acceptable. Working here in Beijing. Email shortsuitproductions@gmail.com (include your background and English/Chinese resumés) for more information.
That's it for now! Have a great week!
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