Nick | The proposal before the proposal

CINEMATT was challenged this past week with a new and exciting project idea. Not only did it require being the cameraman but also writing the story-line, imagining the set-design, and directing this unique film.

When Nick called us three weeks ago, he was about to propose to his girlfriend. He wanted to create a film for his soon-to-be fiancée, to show her before he popped the question. With Nick’s general vision and his trust to allow CINEMATT to have complete creative freedom, we brought his idea to life.  Check out Nick’s romantic vision, The Proposal Before the Proposal, come to reality. And by the way, she did say yes! and we heard family and friends cried watching this film. Enjoy watching it, and please don't hesitate to like or comment on it.

Bonne Journée,
Matthieu


Nick | The proposal before the proposal from Matthieu Meynier-CINEMATT on Vimeo.

Color Grading: What is it and why is it so important?

According to the Webster dictionary, color grading is "the process of altering and enhancing the color of a motion picture, video image, or still image either electronically, photo-chemically or digitally."

Color grading is as important as picking the right music, using the right part of a speech, and choosing the right footage to make a film a complete piece. While color correcting is about getting your footage to be as authentic and as close to reality as possible, color grading is the art of giving personality to a film.  It allows the cinematographer/editor to be free to create something unique. Grading is a tedious task that requires hours of work but it can greatly enhance the film.  It’s a very personal process and many people will have different opinions on how to grade a film.  My friend and colleague, Sigmund Reboquio, said it best, “Grading your film is giving an identity to the final product that will help you to attract clients who have the same taste as you.”  

Some examples as seen on TV and in the theater include: Michael Bay’s color grading of Transformers which is very saturated, the gritty-yellow color of Cohen Brother’s in No Country for Old Men, and the black and white film by Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist.  All of these examples are different and each exudes a different mood, tone and feeling. 

Here is a sneak peak of a film that I'm currently working on with an example of color grading.

color grading from Matthieu Meynier-CINEMATT on Vimeo.

Have you heard of BAPVA?

Cinematt has been asked to be part of a panel discussion on color grading at next week’s BAPVA meeting. You may wonder what is BAPVA. It’s the Bay Area Professional Videographer Association, which I’ve been a member since 2005 and a program manager in 2011-2012.  It’s a great way to network with fellow cinematographers, learn something new about your craft, and maybe share a few tips or two of your own.  Learning from great leaders (Michael Wong, Ray Roman, & Joe Simon), who have been instrumental in shaping our industry, has been a valuable experience for me.  Come join us to learn about color grading on Monday, August 18, 2014 at the Santa Clara Fire Station 1900 Walsh Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95050. The program is 6:30 – 9 pm, but come mingle at 6 pm.  (fee: $25 for non-BAPVA members). Stay tuned for my tips on color grading, and if you like more information about BAPVA, please follow the link below.
www.bapva.org

Kathryn and Alan | Same Day Edit | Casa Real, California

One of my favorite things to do at a wedding is to create a beautiful Same Day Film. There is nothing better than to share those special moments with family and friends within hours of it happening. Watching the film is like going to a show and having access to the backstage. Family and friends are no longer just spectators, they are also actors within the film.   I was ecstatic when Kathryn and Alan asked me to create a Same Day Film to capture their special day and love for each other that has spanned over the past 16 years. This fun-loving couple wrote their own vows about friendship and love; a great beginning for a wonderful storyline. Thank you Kathryn and Alan for making us part of your wedding day.

Merci et bonne journée!

Venue: casa real
Photographer: Danny Dong
Make up artist: The Glamourist
DJ: Big Fun DJ
Cake artist: Sweet tooth confection
Florist: Asiel Design