Michael Murphy - Photography, Fitness, & Synthesis

There are always things that irk you deep down in the recesses of your soul, yet you never notice them enough to identify. Here are a few things that I’ve identified. I’m sure you agree with many.

1. Sentences that end with a space before an exclamation point.
   Ex: Oh hai my name is Herpblargenderp !!!
2. Sentences that also end in an odd number of exclamation points.
   The general rule is as follows: One exclamation point is most grammatically correct. Three exclamation points, though not grammatically correct, is an acceptable way of casually conveying extra exclamation. NEVER use any number of exclamation points other than one or three.
3. The substitution of comma use over semicolon use.
   Ex: I love squirrel cake, it’s so good, I wonder if there are any good recipes, lol
4. Realizing all too late that the TP dispenser in the public bathroom is empty.
5. The kid who only likes “indie” music and movies, because he/she believes that if anyone else likes it, it must be too mainstream.
6. Onions. As a loather of the onion, I find ordering a burrito/taco/burger/wrap particularly difficult when the “hold the onions” request is rarely honored.
7. An obscure/untalented wannabe producer using the words “Productions”, “Entertainment”, “Studios”, or other loaded words in his/her title to imply that it’s not just one person noodling around in Fruity Loops and ACID.
8. White people wearing 59fifty hats.
9. 59fifty hats.
10. The 10 years older people with low cheek bones look when they wear aviators.
11. The same people from #8 that drive trucks with Monster Energy stickers on the window.
12. Ricer cars that prominently display their VTEC sticker.
13. Almost turning the car off, then your favorite song starts on the radio.
14. Trying to avoid putting your foot through the razored part of your jeans.
15. The 24 hours it takes to transfer money from savings to checking, especially when you need it in 5 minutes.
16. Girls whose profile pictures are taken from an extremely high angle. This is a sure sign of an attempt to cut 100lbs.
17. xXx[Genericfemalename]TrAgeEdyXxX <- The only tragedy here is that #16 and #17 are usually both used together.

Here’s my workflow as Media Manager on the Christmas with the Dead film crew. The Media Manager keeps files from the cameras (in this case our 5D Mark II’s and the B-Camera 7D), organizes and renames them by day, scene, shot, and take. Back-up, sync, Pro-Res, etc. Here we go.


1. Camera/Mixer card is full
2. Operator switches cards/formats the new card
(IMPORTANT! Format each new card before use to preserve the file numbering system in-camera)
3. Media Manager loads card, downloads footage/audio to external hard drive. A-Camera footage in one folder, B-Camera in its own, Audio in its own folder.
4. Go through footage from A-Camera, labeling each file (originally MVI_XXXX) with a more descriptive file name: A/B_[MM/DD/YYYY]_(SCENE-SHOT-TAKE)
5. Go through audio files, naming each one similarly: SM_A/B_[MM/DD/YYYY]_(SCENE-SHOT-TAKE) or A/B_[MM/DD/YYYY]_(SCENE-CUTAWAY-DESCRIPTION). Make sure the 2nd AC coordinates with Continuity and the Audio Mixer. On the slate, the 2nd AC should indicate the current sound file from the mixer as well as the current video file from the camera. Likewise, Continuity should ensure that they also record audio/video filenames for future reference. If it’s a cutaway/ambient/color check/etc, they should mark accordingly.
6. Once files are renamed and placed in their proper locations, copy them to a secondary drive.
7. From there, compress all of the original (H.264) files to ProRes 422. This will ensure maximum compatibility with your editing software.
8. Synchronize the video file with the double system sound, setting the in-point of each clip as the marker clap.
9. Merge clips.
10. Remove the original onboard camera audio.
11. Export the files into a new folder, such as “Sync”.
12. Deliver the “A Camera”, “B Camera”, “Audio”, and “Sync” folders to the editor for dailies.

Short post today. I’m on my iPhone and not a fan of typing with my thumbs. So if this feels a bit disorganized and stream-of-consciousness word babble, I apologize in advance. Anyway.

I’ve noticed something in the most recent years with the proliferation of available creative technology. Of course, I’m referring to the dSLR’s that now record high definition video at 24p, and full-frame 35mm sensors such as in my Canon 5D Mark II.

Remember the days when the equipment for a commercially marketable film required hundreds of thousands of dollars of investment? When the camera alone cost $100,000 or more? (Think the Sony CineAlta series, the F950.) Ah, those were the days. Sadly, I couldn’t afford the F950 after I bought my Ferrari. However, recent advances in technology and its miniaturization will let us miserable Enzo owners see the light of day again.

Enter the Canon 7D and 5D Mark II, true high-definition cameras, filming at 24p, 1080p, 4:2:2, accepting any compatible APS-C or full-frame EF-S lenses, providing for creative lens play. What’s exciting about this is the price range - under $5000. Incredible, considering these cameras have already been used to film feature films, TV series (5DMII was used on an episode of House, M.D., where the larger camera couldn’t fit), music videos, and stunning artistic films.

What I find exciting is the availability of professional technology to creative, independent artists everywhere. No longer are HD cameras restricted to the few elite who can afford them (and let’s face it, these aren’t always the most creative individuals). There is so much talent and untapped innovation in the creative world and as these creative resources become more available, we’ll begin to see an amassing of art and creative techniques on an unprecedented scale. Millions of individuals will have the opportunity to express themselves artistically with professional, polished results. Of course, expect to see the wannabes and gear-heads try to be the next big thing, which is why I often retreat to Vimeo.com. Nevertheless, the future is bright for creative democracy.

Now get off of the computer and get filming.

Go on. GO!

Just finished reading Chapter 1 of a great book called The Dance Music Manual. If you’re interested in synthesis and EDM production, start here!