Matt Moore as Bob Dylan Monologue

This excerpt was from an Oldham County, KY High School Performance put on 12=17-09 by the Spectrum Class to raise money to build a Guatemalan School to support Children in need.

A DVD containing more excellent mock Celebrity Performances, monolouges, singing, dancing and poetry as seen in the credits can be Purchased for $15.00 plus $5.00 Shipping.

If Interested email curt@mstarvideo.com and I'll tell you how you can obtain one. The proceeds will go to Mr. Kaufman at the Oldham County High School and directly to the cause!

Canon XH-A1, HV30, ZOOM H4n, Vegas Pro 9.0c

1DMKIV Rebel video Nocturne is back online

From Matthew Jepsen's great blog feed.

Some months ago, Stu Maschwitz, David Nelson, and Vincent LaForet, and a small group of DV Rebels shot a proof-of-concept short film on a pre-production Canon 1DMKIV DSLR. Shortly following it’s release online, it was pulled (presumably at the request of Canon). Well, apparently Canon is ready to show it off again, as Nocturne is now back online. Vincent’s blog has details and watch links. There’s also a short behind the scenes clip.

MidnighStar Newletter

MidnighStar Newletter

Posted using ShareThis

Bad Weather - The Bad Reeds

The Bad Reeds (recently voted the #2 Blues Band in Louisville KY by Louisville Eccentric Observer Magazine) performing their Blues hit "Bad Weather", wait for the break it rocks! Off their recent Album "field Holler". Shot two camera at Zanzabar in Louisville, KY by myself with static HV30 (hence the sonic lens bounces) and an XH-A1. Audio captured with a Zoom H4n. Edited/Color in Sony Vegas Pro 9.0c.

ProDAD Gives the Gift of Heroglyph Rapid Software this Holiday Season

From Videomaker site

proDAD announced a holiday promotion—a free download of its renowned Heroglyph Rapid title, subtitle, and trailer animation effects plug-in from now until January 31, 2010. This promotion requires no purchase, and it is not a limited-use trial version. It’s the company’s full version of Heroglyph Rapid that sells for $99.00 retail at the proDAD.com website.
Heroglyph Rapid is an easy-to-use titling application that installs seamlessly as a plug-in for popular video editing applications from Adobe, AVID, Canopus, Pinnacle, Sony, and Ulead. Once installed, Heroglyph can be used within the application to add creative titles, subtitles, credits, and trailers to jazz up any home movie or professional video production. Heroglyph Rapid provides more than 300 templates for text, design, and animation. It can be expanded with five available Creative Packs, which are sold separately.
Heroglyph Rapid’s easy-to-use path animation lets you create incredible titles that can move around in the video. It also creates flying 3D video walls, lower-third animations, and scrolling text walls (think “Star Wars”.) Additionally, it can combine text and graphics right into the video. Never before has such creative video titling been so simplified and produce the fantastic results of Heroglyph Rapid.

Download Information
Users can access their free download of Heroglyph Rapid by clicking on the following link. A simple registration process is required: http://www.prodad.de/gb/register_heroglyph_starterkit.html

FREE HD Video Convereter from WinX - Limited Time Offer

WinX-HD is offering their Win X HD Video Converter. The original price of WinX HD Video Converter is $39.95. Now it is given away to all users. This offer starts from Dec.1st and will expire at 12:00am GMT Dec. 16th. During this period, you can get the full version for free on this page.


Input Video Formats HD Video HD TS, HD MTS, HD M2TS, HD MKV, HD MPEG, HD AVI, HD WMV, HD MPG, HD MP4, HD MOV, HD ASF, HD MOD

SD Video AVI, ASF, AVC, DivX, FLV, H264, MP4, MOV, MPEG1/2, RM, RMVB, VOB, WMV, XviD, 3GP, 3G2

Output File Formats HD Video HD AVI, HD MP4, HD AVC, HD WMV, HD MOV, HD MPEG, HD TS, HD Youtube.

SD Video AVI, MP4, AVC, MOV, WMV, H.264

Audio MP3

Image JPG, BMP

Platforms Windows 98, NT, 2000, 2003, XP, Vista (32 & 64 bit), Windows 7 (32 & 64 bit)

Q: Why do you give away this program?

A: WinX HD Video Converter is our latest product. We're confident this software is an excellent video converting tool. However, we still need your advices to improve it in next upgrade. And this giveaway is to collect feedback or suggestions from users.

Q: Will I have to pay to continue to use this "Giveaway" version after the Dec. 15th?

A: No, you don't need to pay any fee. We're offering WinX HD Video Converter free for a limited time but the software can be used with no limitations for as long as you'd like.

Q: Will I be able to upgrade this version to a newer version for free?

A: No, there's no free upgrade of this "giveaway" version to future versions. But you can get the upgraded version for a very low fee. Feel free to email us then.

Folly - All I Want (For Fun Video)

My talented daughter Carson (on guitar) and her friend Kirby let me make their frist Music Video covering Paramore's "All I Wanted" as the new acoustic duo "Folly", Great frist effort and I am very proud of both of them! Hopefully will be making more!
Cameras: Canon XH-A1 & HV30
Audio: Zoom H4n and (2) Samson external mics
Edited/Color: Sony Vegas Pro 9.0c

Steven and Amanda - Wedding Trailer

My best friend son's wedding. Shot by myself as a wedding present, using a Canon XH-A1 & HV-30 also a Zoom H4n field recorder and an Irivers 890 for Groom audio. Shot in Covington, KY. Nov. 7, 2009. Edited in Sony Vegas 9.0c

OCHS Madrigal Choir - Seven Bridges Road (Music Video)

Under the direction of Ms. Bambi Wright the Oldham County High School, Buckner, KY, Madrigal Choir, performs a beautiful arranegment of the Eagle's tune "Seven Bridges Road". My daughter is a member of the choir so I'm biased, but I think they did a stellar performance. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.


Listen for the rich and subtle harmonies, very pleased with the new Zoom H4n field recorder by the way, it does an excellent job!

Cameras: Canon XH-A1 (Myself) & HV30 (my wife)
Audio: Zoom H4n plus two external Samson condensors
Edit & Color: Sony Vegas Pro 9.0 (Myself)

Kasey & Jeremy - Wedding Trailer

Wedding Hightlight Reel Kasey and jeremy Anderson shot at the Gradencourt in Louisville KY.

Cameras XH-A1 and HV30
Audio Irivers, Zoom H4N and Rode NTG2
Edited in Sony Vegas Pro 9

YouTube Does 1080p HD from Mark Robertson of ReelSEO

This is easily the best news in weeks for video producers: YouTube is now supporting true HD 1080p. Yes, you read that right. You can now upload 1080p HD videos to YouTube and share the glorious high definition quality with your friends. Previously, the maximum upload encoding was stuck at 720p. So now resolutions will go from 1280×720 up to 1920×1080 which is really considered to be true high-definition. Outstanding.

It’s actually even better than you think, too, because they’re going to go through and re-encode any previously-uploaded video that was 1080p-capable. NewTeeVee says that last year about 1% of all videos uploaded were in HD, compared to 10% today. It’ll probably be 30% or more next year.

Here… you might enjoy watching the video demo/test that YouTube’s blog pulls its screenshots from:

Click here to watch the video.

Now, if you want to watch a video from YouTube that has been encoded in HD 1080p, add &fmt=37 at the end of the URL. Here is a link to a video in full 1080p where you can really see the difference – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6boDfu_abzg&fmt=37

I remember a couple years ago—it wasn’t that long ago, really—when the talk was centered around whether YouTube would or could ever go HD. Then, last May (2008), they started testing HD. Just a short 16 months later and we’re already up to 1080p. You have to give them credit for moving quickly on this.

Another new tidbit that came out of that story was that YouTube has started defaulting to the HD version for viewers that have historically chosen HD over standard definition.

I also don’t want to think about what this might do to their cost. I’m sure plenty of our readers have dabbled enough in video to know how ridiculous bandwidth costs can be. And while Google may not have to pay anyone for bandwidth the way you and I would—the facilities and equipment they own cannot be cheap to maintain.

Anyway, you’ll start seeing 1080p videos rolling out over the next few days. YouTube is openly inviting folks to upload 1080p videos, the best of which they’ll spotlight on the hompage. If you’re a content producer who has an HD camera, start filming. The quality of your videos is about to improve dramatically.

This is a post from ReelSEO Video Marketing
Permalink: YouTube Adds Support For 1080p Full HD Video – Sweet

Great training Video from IZZY Video

Found this one on www.reelseo.com a video marketing site.

Well done so I thought I would share it, the original is from Izzy Video

How to use a Grey Card Check it out if you want better color/exposure in your videos

SenseCam: The Life Logging Camera

From the Videomaker web site November 6th.

We all have experienced a lapse in memory from time to time. It’s especially disappointing when the memory you’re trying to recall is one of importance, such as a special family event or vacation. Over the decades, the popularization of camcorders and cameras have helped us forever capture memories, but only the moments chosen by the person operating the camera.

Microsoft Research has developed a device called the SenseCam that is proving to be a great tool for memory loss. The digital camera is worn around the users neck, and is equipped with a fish-eye lens in order to capture as much information as possible. The SenseCam takes up to two pictures a minute without having to be prompted, and can store up to 30,000 photos on a 1GB flash memory card. This allows the user to view a thorough recount of their day picture by picture, or by compiling them all in a stop-motion fashion.
The SenseCam isn’t available to the general public yet, but it already has people buzzing about how they’d use it. Proposed ideas include an automatic diary for daily events or vacations, a way to monitor food intake, or to coordinate disaster response. I would use it to find my car keys every morning. How would you use it?

Forsty Foggy River Morn - Photo

This photo shot at dawn in Point Park in Carrollton KY on a cold and foggy morning

Canon XTI Tamron 55-200 lens, F/4, 1/160, IS) 1600, 1144mm

Hands On with the Canon EOS 7D | B&H Photo Video Pro Audio

Hands On with the Canon EOS 7D B&H Photo Video Pro Audio

Kesslers Eagerly Awaited Pocket Jib Special Pre Order Pricing

I been wanting one of these!

The eagerly awaited KesslerPocket Jib™ is now available for preorder at discount price. They will ship within a week. Click here for Video

Web Spot Video - Cyco Wheelies Simulator

We were at The Star Touring and Riding Midwest Star B Q bike rally in August and a young man had a Sport Bike mounted on a Dyno Trailer and had made a Wheelie Simulator out of this set up. He takes this around to Bike events and seems to have a cleaver idea for provding some fun and making some money. Anyway he saw that I had shot some video of it and ask if I would throw him a web video together with the footage I had. So here goes

We have started a NEW OH, IN & KY Networking Site for DV Cinematography

As some of you know, I run a local video production company here in Louisville.   Through the web I have made some great networking friends that have developed into excellent resources for shared information and collaboration. So taking this one step further I have developed a regional social networking site just for our industry. We hope you'll come check it out and join us! Give it a look!

Click Image

Music Video - Going Down - Heaven Hill

Here it is! The World Preimer of the latest Music video for Heaven Hill.

Remeber things are not always as they first appear!

Shot with the intent of being like the good time, old school, fun feeling of the early MTV style rock and metal videos with four Canon XH-A1s and one Kessler Crane in 1080 24F. Edited in Sony Vegas Pro (TM) and Color Grading performed in Adobe (TM) After Effects by Tony Sexton.

Video Crew:
Curt Edwards - Camera/Editing/Music Video, Director & Director of Photography
Tony Sexton - Camera/Editing/Color Grading/Visual FX
Mike Hargis - Camera/First Assistant Director
Debbie Edwards - Key Grip

Many Thanks to:
The Street Rods
Bobbie Smith (Chevelle)
Cornell Woosley (Classic 38 Ford Coupe and Low Rider Chevy Truck)
Vincent Macintosh (Classic 32 Ford Pick Up)
Dale Lakes (Bad Ass Skull Chopper)
Black Widow Customs Bryan Davis - Green Machine

Trixie's Night Club use of the buidling
Chuck Biddle/ICVideo - For the loan of an extra Canon XH-A1 and his Kessler 8 ft. Crane
Russell Anderson III (AKA Rusty) The Dancer
The girls of course!
J Gumbo's - Food Catering

Krowe Records - Anthony Thornton

Song Copyright © 2009 Krowe Recrods
Video Copyright © 2009 MidnightStar Video Productions

Photo - Golden Girl

In this photo a portrait of my beautiful daughter bathed in the lovely golden light that is Autumn

Canon EOS XTI, Tamron 55-200, 1/400, f/5, ISO 400, 55mm

Photo - A walk into Autumn

Another from my photo walk in Wilbron Park, LaGrange KY you could tell Fall was in the air.

Canon XTI, Tamrom 55-200, F/4, 1/250, ISO 100, 64 mm

Photo - Reflecting Pond

Photo from today's Photo walk through Wilborn Park in Lagrange, KY

Canon XTI, Tamron 55-200,  F/4.5,1/320.ISO 100, 144mm

Web Spot Video - Duke's Hot Rods

A promo I made for a buddy's Street Rod Shop in LaGrange,KY for his upcoming web site !  Short and Sweet.

Videodoodle - Autumn Leaves

A little non-narrative ZEN type videodoodle, seemed appropriate  with the winds of Autumn arriving.  Shot this last year on  one of the last nice Autumn days just for fun.  I had just got my new Canon XH-A1 Pro HD camera and was out just trying to learn the ins and outs of it, so this is what became of the experimental footage.  Hope you enjoy, our exercise in fun!  For more info Click the title to link directly to the video.  Shot in and around Cincinnati and Northern KY.

Photo - Cincinnati Skyline

Took this photo stopping by Devou Park in Covington Kentucky, on my way home to Louisville from Cincinnati, it was a beautiful early fall day.

Canon XTI F/11, 1/200, ISO 100, 27 mm

Photo - Introduction to Autumn 2009

Caught one tree just starting to change on my Photo Walk today in Cherokee Park in Louisville KY.

Canon EOS XTI, Tamron 50-200, F/5.6, 1/500, ISO 100,200mm

Music Video - Reign Of Revelation - Bulls On Parade Cover

Reign Of Revelation live at 95.7 Weaselpalooza at the Wharf covering Rage Against the Machine's Bill on Parade.

Another chance for a quick and dirty viral video for the boys! They are rocking hard and coming on strong in the local Louisville Music scene. The venue was not the best looking back drop as it is heavily under renovations, but the boys rocked the house! I manned the XH-A1, HV-30 and The Zoom H4n, so was spread a little thin, but I am real pleased with our captured and edited audio from the little Zoom H4n!

Canon XH-A1, HV-30 Cameras, Zoom H4n Audio, Video, Audio, Edit and color correction in Vegas Pro 9

Photo - Heaven And Earth

This photograph shot at sunrise during High Water on the Ohio River at Point Park in Carrollton, KY

10/09/09 6:42 a.m.

Canon EOS XTI, Canon 18-55 lens, Handheld f/4.5,1/50.ISO 800, 18mm

Review Video -Our Photography Recognized on www.LiveForFame.com

I was so humbled to have my photography recoginized on LiveForFame!
I am just a hobbist, but it is one of my passions.  The talent on this invitation only photography website is amazing, so be be singled out was a true honor.  Thank you Michael!

Girl and the Barn - Photo

A photo shoot with my Beautiful Daughter In front of a quaint old Red Barn, was doing a little DOF experimenting

Photographed with a Canon XTI & Tamron 50-200 mm lens

1/50,F/4.0,ISO 100, 76mm 06/29/09 6:50 p.m.

The Big Sting - Photo

Large wasp on nightly Photo Walk

Photograph taken with Canon Rebel XTI and Tamron 50-200mm

1/320,F/5.6.,ISO 400,200mm

Butterfly Beauty - Photo

Beautiful Butterfly taken at Morgan Nature Preserve

Photograph shot with a Canon XTI & Tamron 50-200 Lens

1/800,F/5.6,ISO 400,200MM 9/19/09 10:20 a.m.

Revelation - Open The Door - Music Video

This is a video we did for Revelation and their Indie hit Open The Door. A young trash metal band out of Lagrange, KY. The future of hard rock is in good hands.

Vernon Lee Moore - Boonevile - Music Video

This is a video we shot for Vernon Lee Moore an amazing Americana singer song writer out of Eastern KY.  Vernon performs on all instruments and vocals.  You can find him on I-Tunes.  For Details click the Vimeo Link.

Heaven Hill Live - When It's Sold - Music Video

We shot this live from Phoneix Hill Tavern in Louisville KY.  Heaven Hill performs their hit When It's Sold.  For Details click the Vimeo Link.

Hot Rods and Girls Girls Girls - Fun Video

These are some out takes from a recent music video we shot, set to some Motley Crue as a thanks to my  street rod buddies for use of their bad ass machines!  For details click the vimeo link!

Where Vultures Fly - Photo

Turkey Vultures in Flight

Photograph Shot with a Canon XTI Tamron 50-200 mm lens at Point Park Carrollton, KY.

1/400,F/5.4,ISO 400, 200 mm, 9/18/09, 7:03 a.m.

Heaven's Light On Those Past - Photo

Beautiful Morning Light Catch over the 1800's African American Grave Yard in LaGrange KY

Photograph Shot with a Canon XTI Tamron 50-200 mm lens in LaGrange, KY

1/400,F/4.0,ISO 100,81 MM 09/27/09 7:43 a.m.

Morning Shadows - Photo

1/80, F/5.6,ISO 100, 200mm

Photograph Shot with a Canon XTI Tamron 50-200 mm lens in Walsh Park LaGrange, KY

Early Morning Macro Shot 9/27/09 8:16 a.m.

Sony Vegas Pro 9 Production Assistant First Impressions - Review

For you other Sony Vegas Video Geeks out there. I'm doing a project with some episodic video for the web. Same intro, outro, beat music bugs/watermarks, just different media each episode. Used my new Sony Vegas Production Assistant for Vegas Pro 9 tonight for the first time.


Built a template with all the consistent elements for soem Web Episode I was building for my regular job at Werner-Todd Pump Company. So now I just select the media I want inserted, click, and the entire episode is built instantly and pulled in Vegas ready to tweak and render! This one project made the return on investment in time and efficiency alone. Very pleased with it. I also like that when I'm done, I can batch render to multiple formats ie: Web, DVD & Ipod/Iphone.  You can see these at http://wernertoddpump/blogspot.com the Mouvex Pump Series.  The only variable with the inserted media.
 
Just thought I would share my first impression and thoughts on it!

Lynn and Donny - Louisville Wedding Video

This is probably the most intimate and beautiful small wedding we have ever shot. Especially for me since the three beautiful young ladies in Blue are my grand daughters. Shot at Bernhiem Forest in Nelson County Kentucky.
All you Benny Hill fans, hang in there for the surprise ending!!
For details click the Vimeo Link!