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We all know how techno-centric our industry is. And how quickly that technology changes. Simply keeping up with all the new capabilities, gear, workflows, software, platforms, etc. can be a full-time job. And gear is critical. We can't do our jobs without it, and we can't do our jobs *well* if we don't know how to best *use* that gear. But.... we're supposed to be creative artists, too. In fact, I'd argue that those who find long-term success in this business aren't necessarily those with the most gear, but instead, those who can find creative solutions to typical problems. There's myriad resources available that tell us about the latest technology - the COW itself is a prime example of how easily and quickly we can find the latest info on new gear, new software, etc. A visit to a Border's, or Amazon-dot-com, will yield shelves upon shelves of software manuals, computer magazines, etc. But there are very few texts that speak to the creative process... and fewer still that discuss creativity in editing, or graphic design, or animation. I wonder if publishers assume that we're all towering creative geniuses, who simply need to know how to make a keyframe. Sometimes a deadline looms, and as you bask in the bluish glow of your new Cinema Display, you realize you don't have a good creative idea to handle a client-supplied script that writes to footage you don't have. Or you're stuck for a good way to animate that logo. Or should that lower third dissolve off, slide off, or explode with a Shatter filter? Some of my colleagues know this as my "Yellow Hammer" theorum. Often, we become wrapped up in discussing whether we use a Yellow Hammer, or a Blue Hammer, or a Green Hammer. What I'm interested in finding out is the best way to nail two pieces of wood together to make an angle that works well within the design concept of the house. So, that's going to be the focus of my COW Blog. I'll be writing about the creative process as it relates to post-production, discussing interesting anecdotes about my adventures in the industry, and I'll tell a funny story or two. I'll also be sure to throw in a tip or trick here and there... I love learning new things (although it's sometimes painful), and I'm looking forward to what I'll learn from reading and writing on the COW Blog... -Christian | |
