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musicman

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19-Dec-2005
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24-Apr-2011
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198

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Post
#308394
Topic
The legendary "Starkiller Ranch" Thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/308394/action/topic#308394
Time
I would say that if it can be done well, then Grievous should be Maul. However, if it can't be done really well, then I would be fine with that. In it's own way, it could recall the serial feel with the different villains, and it also works within the context of it being a war, and having different heroes and enemies, etc. But, I don't want to make Grievous be Maul, and then have it done in a way that's kind of half-baked. It should really work, or we should just make the best we can of Grievous through dubbing or what-have-you.

Post
#306044
Topic
The legendary "Starkiller Ranch" Thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/306044/action/topic#306044
Time
I think it would behoove us to get some preliminary discussion going for now at least, and with ANH coming very soon, and SOTDS this year, then hopefully that should help us further along, even if we've made a ridiculous amount of progress. A poll for Maul/Grievous sounds good, and hopefully that will consolidate all the points for and against the idea--and just how feasible (adywan said it could be possible).
Post
#306012
Topic
The legendary "Starkiller Ranch" Thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/306012/action/topic#306012
Time
I don't have much time to comment at the moment. I'll be back with more details and ideas later. But I did want to say I am interested in this. I don't know that I could really necessarily be one of those main editors; I have Adobe Premiere Elements, but I've had difficulties, and I don't know what everyone else would be using, and how consistent it would be. However, I could still help with music editing. Trooperman, you have a pretty good idea from my situation from the comments in your thread. I think I still have that take I did for the "Padme Meets Anakin" Starkiller Ranch version, which actually included the new version of music for that scene, plus that for the group leaving Watto's shop. I had done some experiments for the Duel in the Desert, and I have a pretty good idea of the concept for it. It did largely depend on whether or not Maul was Grievous, though. I had some other ideas musically and storywise, with a lot of the latter being for Episode III. I posted my thoughts for the big duel a while back, if anyone remembers. I can dig those back up. I could also make a list of alternate and unused music from both trilogies, and if I know what scenes are actually being cut full out, I can add any music for those scenes to the list of usable music.

And Trooperman, don't worry about SOTDS, man. In fact, Erik had a thought there with how standalone TPM is. I'm sure we can get some work started on that. There would be things like Maul/Grievous to work out, but other than that, I think we would just need to make sure any characters that were dubbed in SOTDS that are also in TPM would need to be consistent.
Post
#305066
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/305066/action/topic#305066
Time
Originally posted by: Trooperman

Originally posted by: musicman
I still try to tinker with editing in my free time (okay, the free time I steal from other things just to retain some semblance of sanity)

Exactly. You sound a lot like me. And I really enjoyed your complete score CD's. I will be sure to keep in touch with you

I'm glad you enjoyed them! Sounds good.

Originally posted by: Trooperman
This is what I've read. Yeah, it is ridiculous what they charge nowadays. That's why it's so important that my work is not only acceptable to these places, but that I receive some major scholarships in order to attend.

From what I understand, if you are truly talented in film, then film school is a huge waste of time and money. If you really are a natural, then you can learn just as much if not more by studying films, watching DVD extras, and reading many books on the subject (which I've been doing). But the idea of going to "film school" seems like a bad idea for me. You get out of school, in a ton of debt (as you said, you only just paid off your student loan), and then where are you? You still have yet to make it, you're out of money, and if you don't make it you're pretty much sunk because you don't have any other marketable skill.

This is why I'm planning to go to the University of Louisville to study music. For a college education, it'll be really cheap (in-state--I'm maybe 20 minutes away from the school) but at the same time, it's a very good music school. So that'll be one less thing to worry about--a huge debt hanging over my head while I'm trying to get work in a ridiculously competitive field.

Originally posted by: Trooperman

Originally posted by: musicman
My primary goal in the realm of film is scoring, though, as I intend for my overall career to be composition. I basically want to be a composer/musician.

Like I said, this was my original idea. Then, I started to look at the facts:

-Incredible competition because it's the only really lucrative musical field nowadays
-No creative freedom- slavery to the temp track and bad directors
-No great films to compose for anymore.
-Only a handful actually make it onto the A-list and compose for big-budget films, at which point they are still stifled by the director, dialed down, and overpowered with sound effects.

Basically, now, it seems like you're just a hired hand. Deviate from the temp track sound and you get replaced by one of the many other composers only too happy to comply. And this would be a really hard thing to take for someone who loves film as much as I do and who hates bad film as much as I do.


This is why you're going to be making the great films!

But, really, I'm sure there's more people like us out there; we just have to find each other--and be very good and very lucky.

I can't see people honestly accepting processed regurgitation for culture indefinitely. I read a relatively recent quote from Brian Setzer where he said (in regard to music in general) something to the effect of, "People just aren't quite sick of being spoonfed the same stuff over and over." For me, my POV is that I'm aiming for the ideals of the craft, while tempering those ideals with the reality of the negative that is out there. If I can even help contribute to the start of a move back to great culture, I'll be happy--and if it takes some bad experiences to get there, so be it. I really believe my calling is in this arena, though.

Originally posted by: Trooperman
So this is kind of my battleplan (making a big assumption that I am talented enough in music composition and film that schools will really want me):

-Assuming I am accepted with enough money in scholarships, I go to a major university to study music composition (which at the bachelor's level is pretty rare. The departments accept anywhere from 1 to 8 students a year. Usually composition is either a concentration after two years general music, or else it's a masters program). The school I am going to is also one of the very well known film schools. I don't major in film, but I associate with the people in the film department and take film classes on the side if I can.[/quote]

What school are you looking at? This sound good so far. Since I want to compose overall, not just in film, my tentative thought is to get a bachelor's in music composition, and then get my master's in music composition at a school that either has a film school, or is affiliated with one, or is near one, with a mind toward making connections, perhaps scoring some student films, etc. The idea is not to try to score Spielberg's films, but to become friends with and collaborate with the next Spielberg.

Originally posted by: Trooperman
Then....

From what I've read, most people fail in the arts because they are idealistic and they do not understand the economics and the business behind any of it. Maybe it would make sense to then go into music business or entertainment law, not just to understand the business but also because I could fall back on it if I don't make it in film. And the salaries are nothing to sneeze at either. Does this seem logical to Zombie, MTHaslett, and anyone else who knows more about hte business?


I'll tell you one thing here: I recently spoke with our chiropractor's son, who is working towards being a film composer (he's done some small projects), and actually kind of knows Steven Spielberg (I think his mother-in-law is an old college pal of Kate Capshaw). He recommended two books in particular, one being Donald Passman's "All You Need to Know About the Music Business." I have not been able to pick it up yet, but I plan to do so ASAP, along with getting the other book he recommended, Richard Davis's "Complete Guide to Film Scoring." He said the Passman book should be a great way to get a leg up on how the business works, possible careers (which you could use while finding work), etc. Perhaps something to look into.

Originally posted by: Trooperman
For the business or law, I would go to either USC or UCLA and continue to make connections in film and music, taking classes in each outside of my major. Or I could continue to go the film scoring route and take USC's 1-year graduate program for film scoring on the side. And at that point, hopefully opportunities start to present themselves, either in film music or in film itself. I've never, ever heard of a film composer managing to work his way up to director or producer, but maybe it's possible. I know several film editors have made that jump. Maybe film editing is the smartest extension.

Whichever way, it seems like where you go to school is critical because from what I've heard, if you are great at what you do and you attend one of these big schools and take advantage of all the opportunities, you will be infinitely better off than someone that just moves to LA and hopes things will start happening. I guess what I'm saying is that I can't afford to play this haphazardly.


Makes sense.

Originally posted by: Trooperman
Originally posted by: PaulisDead2221

I can see the passion for film and music. I knew a guy who got his foot in the door, then came back because LA is so crappy. When you move down there to try and get in to the 'biz, don't let the crappiness of the people let you down. That's kinda what's been turning me off to a job in film lately... Anyway I hope you stick around the forums for a long time, just in case you make the big leagues


Tell me about it. It's the belly of the beast. I think the place is run by high school dropouts now.

I'm expecting the worst; that way I won't be disappointed. I think the trick is to completely steer away from conversations pertaining to morals, politics, or etc. Just be completely quiet and don't give your opinions out.

One last thing- is it true now that to get a job you've got to be a scientologist? I've talked with someone whose sister works over there, and she says it's becoming a monopoly. I can't believe that's true.


Still more reasons to be a force in film.

Keep it up, man. It sounds like you could do well.

Oh, and, if you still see a completed version of SOTDS happening, then I'm all for waiting--although, a completed scene does sound nice...



Post
#304752
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/304752/action/topic#304752
Time
Man, I know just what you're talking about TM. I'm also working towards college. I'm juggling senior year, work, church responsibilities (praise and worship team, electric bass), college application, and learning the upright bass so I can get into a music composition program sometime in the next two years. I still try to tinker with editing in my free time (okay, the free time I steal from other things just to retain some semblance of sanity), and I've actually done a few complete score projects, one in particular that I'm rather proud of (Back to the Future). I totally understand your situation. I actually have similar aspirations. It seems as though there's such a heavy atmosphere of settling for mainstream idiocy in our culture today. I'm interested in several elements of film, primarily scoring, directing, editing and acting (you know, the good stuff ). My primary goal in the realm of film is scoring, though, as I intend for my overall career to be composition. I basically want to be a composer/musician. I believe you have my e-mail address; if you don't, I'll send you a PM. I'd like to keep in touch with you, man--let me know things go. Perhaps we'll collaborate sometime.

As for SOTDS, I'd love to have a copy, Trooperman, and see what you've done. I'm sure what's been done thus far is very cool. I will definitely not distribute it.

Work hard, stay sane, and good luck!
Post
#301137
Topic
Idea: The Spider-Man abridge-o-cut
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/301137/action/topic#301137
Time
Yes. Spider-Man was shot in 1.85:1, whereas Spider-Man 2 and Spider-Man 3 are 2.40:1. I am toying with a Spider-Man 3 edit, although it is a bit daunting as it would be my first feature-length edit to even approach. I've done some test work on a couple of sequences, and there are some cool things, but I'm actually finding the film is growing on me as I see it more. I already liked it overall when I first saw it, although I didn't like it as much as the first two, but some things I questioned at first are making more sense now, and things like the structure and pacing are sinking in and also making more sense. Could it have been better had they not tried to cram so much into it? Definitely. But within the context of having it all in there, I think they did a pretty good job with it. (Upon listening to the commentaries, the biggest thing I wish they had been able to do--after getting to give all of the different story elements their due in separate films--is having the film set in winter. That could've been really cool.)
Post
#295854
Topic
Getting AVI in Premiere Elements
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/295854/action/topic#295854
Time
I just got Premiere Elements in the mail (bundled with Photoshop Elements). I'm trying to do some edits--right now, just some test clips. The problem is, I can't get it to accept the AVI file I'm making. Once I installed Quicktime, it accepted an MPEG version, but the audio was out of sync, and the Help documentation said using MPEG can result in that. Of course, even without those problems, once I get to doing a full edit, I'm going to need AVI so I don't have junky picture quality. I first tried ripping the video with SmartRipper (although I'll probably end up giving DVDDecrypter a shot as well). I then tried encoding it into AVI with Super. I selected the ouput container as AVI, the output codec as DIVX, and then given the choice between ffmpeg and MEncoder, I have MEncoder (I have no idea what that means.). Could I have the wrong settings? Do I need to download a codec? Should I use a different encoder to turn the .vob file into an AVI file? Any help would be fantastic. Thanks!

EDIT: The error message I received is this: Unsupported format or damaged file/One of the necessary components may not have been installed. I don't know if that helps, but I just realized I didn't post it.
Post
#294726
Topic
The legendary "Starkiller Ranch" Thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/294726/action/topic#294726
Time
As long as we're talking Episode III, does anyone know of anyone who could sound like Ewan McGregor? I know the idea of adding some lines for him wasn't confirmed, but I'd love to play with that. It could really help a lot with just a few lines. I don't have time to post more right now, but, again, it's good to see some stuff going on around here!
Post
#293120
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/293120/action/topic#293120
Time
That's awesome, TM! I'm really happy for you, man. I know you've put a lot of sweat and tears into this thing, and I'm sure it'll pay off. I'm not worried about the runtime. I'm sure a lot of editors might have been even more vicious with their cutting, and you turned a lot of footage around through clever editing as well as dubbing, I'm sure. I'm very excited to see this! Good luck with the final chunk!

Ah, and thank you so much, adywan, for saving the day once again!
Post
#293051
Topic
The legendary "Starkiller Ranch" Thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/293051/action/topic#293051
Time
You can't stand Battle of the Heroes?! BLASPHEMY!!!! I like it.

There are some very cool concepts here, CC. I've wished the Emperor's Theme was used for the Yoda vs. Palpatine duel since Day One, so it was cool to see that used here. If we could eventually get to the place where the Imperial March isn't in any Yoda/Palps scenes, that would be the best. If I were choosing, though, for the Emperor's first shot of lightning at Yoda, I would've tried to use the music from The Battle of Endor II (on the Special Edition 2-disc release) at roughly 2:34-2:44. That just always seemed perfect for me. I also love that you put the two office scenes together into one. It flows wonderfully!

One thing about the office duel: it's been said before, I believe, and I agree, that the lightsaber tipping shot (at about 2:38 or 39 on your clip) should go. It looks ridiculous.

Great job with cutting straight to them hitting the console and leaving the room. That gets rid of one of the worst shots in the duel (character wise) where it looks like Obi-Wan's about to impale Anakin on the table. Grates on me every time. Good solution!

If we can paint out that little droid (what in the name of crap was he thinking?!!), that would be the best case scenario, as that's a pretty nice shot in the crossing. I also liked where you were going with the transition at the clash in front of the volcano going to Yoda landing on the Senate pod. Very cool. I would personally like to explore the possibility of having more specific music for the Senate duel, including the Emperor's Theme and possibly Yoda's Theme, but thus far, it's pretty cool. Your syncing works much better, for instance, when Yoda throws the senate pod at Palpatine.

Speaking of which, one shot that I think we should try to rework in some way is the one from 2:24-2:27 on your clip, where Yoda catches the pod. It looks SOOO much like a computer constructed shot in the way it moves down to him that it's disgusting. Especially given the goal of the Ranch, I think this shot needs fixing.

It's pretty cool the way you cut it so Yoda doesn't hang on at all, he just falls. Did you have anything else in mind for the musical transition back to Anakin and Obi-Wan, though?

Not sure about the ESB music on the falling crane section, but there are some interesting syncs, to be sure.

BTW, I think the chunk at 0:41-0:54 on your clip would be a good place for new dialogue, if we were able to go that route, and having Obi-Wan trying to reach out to Anakin.

I was surprised at how well it worked to have Obi-Wan jump from the crane to the bank. Very cool! Unfortunately, in doing that, you lose some good character moments, such as the "Don't try it." In your clip, it seems very sudden for Obi-Wan to just chop off Anakin's limbs like that--kind of cold-blooded, given his actions up until that point. But with some of the other dialogue that was there originally, there's more indication of Obi-Wan formulating and dealing with the idea of stopping the duel that way, if you see what I'm saying.

I'm going to do my best to make a rough cut of my ideas soon. It'll be hard, as my ideas are a bit more high maintenence (dubbing, painting, etc.), but I'll try to get at least some of the cuts right. Don't hold your breath, but hopefully I'll be able to make a test or two soon.

Definitely some interesting ideas, and we should certainly get some discussion going. Good work!













Post
#293048
Topic
Episode 3 - Editing Back in Progress (* unfinished project *)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/293048/action/topic#293048
Time
CC! Hey, I'll comment on your clips in the Starkiller Ranch thread, okay?

Cool ideas, here, GM. The vision idea is interesting. Two things on the audio end of it: 1) The way you've mixed and reverbed Qui-Gon and Yoda's lines thus far makes it sound more like Yoda is remembering these things. I think a bit of a balance between what ADM did and what you have would probably make it more clear that that's what's going on. (I love that "You doubt the prophecy?" line, although I also like ADM's line selection as well--it would be nice to see both aspects of Yoda's current state addressed by Qui-Gon: guilt, like in ADM's, and doubt, like in yours).

The second thing is: would it be possible to edit Yoda's line to be "A prophecy could have been misread"? That and "Around the survivors, a perimeter create" are probably the most annoying lines from Yoda. In fact, if it could be done, I think some un-inversion throughout the PT would be good. It just got to be overkill. I'm amazed when I look back at the OT, and how normally Yoda speaks so much of the time.

I love your idea for Obi-Wan checking on Padme in the ship!

I did notice an improvement in having Bail's line more prominent here; that's good, in that it's supposed to disrupt Yoda's meditation and vision.

That's about all I have for now. Good work, GM! Keep going!
Post
#292440
Topic
Adobe Premiere Elements: Should I get it?
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/292440/action/topic#292440
Time
Yeah, that's my real concern. Am I going to have to end up getting Photoshop anyway at some point? (self-directed question) I've also heard good things about After Effects--now that may be more expensive, but is there a Sony equivalent for things like Photoshop and After Effects? One thing that would be nice about Vegas is that I'm already using Sound Forge for music editing, so they could work together more easily, I would assume.

Both options look very intriguing. Does anyone else have any comments?
Post
#292438
Topic
Prequel Trilogy - Sagafied (* unfinished project *)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/292438/action/topic#292438
Time
Originally posted by: TheTomeAlso, glad to hear you like Attack of the Phantom. That was definitely a quality edit. If you haven't watched the commentary that comes with it I highly recommend it. Very insightful.


Yeah, it was definitely very well done. And the commentary was insightful. I didn't care for his sexualization of some elements, though--although, if you didn't listen to the commentary, it would probably slip past anyway. But that ship definitely does not look just like a penis.

I do very much look forward to seeing the clips from both you and darkhelmet, as I haven't been able to yet. Sounds very promising.