~ State of Play ~
When Congressman Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck) intern dies in mysterious circumstances, Washington Globe crime reporter Cal McCaffrey (Russell Crowe) sets out to uncover the truth.
Recent conspiracy thrillers have somewhat open themselves up to a whole host of assumptions and loose ends with either obvious plots or logic that can easily be picked apart, I'm reminded of the underrated Eagle Eye - which I personally enjoyed even though the story was unbelievably over the top. Luckily this isn't the case with State of Play!
Crowes Cal McCaffrey is surrounded by props that mirror his technophobic personality, from the organized chaos of his work station to the run down Saab he drives, he's a gruff Whiskey drinking old-school reporter which plays to Crowe' strengths . As we watch the Globe being taken over by new corporate owners more interested in selling papers than in documenting real stories, we begin to realize that the downfall of the newspaper is the main reasoning behind Globe editor's (Helen Mirren in a brief but hugely memorable role) frequent emotional - and not to mention humorous - outburst to meet deadlines before rival papers get there first, which helps focus the urgency and give pauses to lighten the tone.
The role of Cal was originally set to be given to Brad Pitt and after seeing such a sterling job from Crowe it's hard to imagine him bringing such weight to the part. Similarly there was another last minute replacement in the casting of Ben Affleck as Collins. Ed Norton, caught up with scheduling issues was unavailable when Director Kevin McDonald (The Last King of Scotland) was ready to start filming. It's in this central relationship where my only real issue with the film lies, believing McCaffrey and Collins were ever college roommates just doesn't work. Less than 10 years separate the two but it's a big enough gap to put the both of them worlds apart.
The chemistry between McCaffrey and Collins wife (played by Robin Wright Penn) is clear as is the gelling with fresh faced online journalist Della Frye (an excellent Rachael McAdams). There's a lack of sexual tension to break through as the pairs clashing personalities develop into a more teacher/student partnership and as McCaffrey's wisdom is passed on she starts to appreciate the benefits of face to face journalism.
I've never seen the BBC show on which the film is based but have been reliably informed that it's been carefully adapted. The story is well balance - between relationships
both personal and professional - and keeps you guessing throughout, throwing in more than a few misleading pieces of information to leave an expected but certainly not predictable twist at the end. The writing is first class, mashing together the talents of Matthew Michael Carnahan (Lions or Lambs) and Tony Gilroy (the Bourne Trilogy) who's style and narrative drive can be felt throughout; you can almost imagine feverishly turning the pages of the script - although some moments feel like they're being spelt out for the popcorn throwing members of the audience. Visually everything is well staged with the atmospheric cinematography only adding to the feeling of unease and the sense that watchful eyes lurk around every corner.
This is a smart, well paced conspiracy thriller and if like me you've gone off Russell Crowe in recent years be prepared to be won over by his outstanding return to form!
****
Sunday, 26 April 2009
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
She's sadly no longer with us but this is my Red Setter Rosey!
Another Italy photo, this time taken from the Dolomites which are a section of the Alps. During the First World War the line between the Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces ran through the these mountains.
Mum again who seems to be my only willing model at the moment, if any gorgeous people want to give up some free time though.....
Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire.
Monday, 20 April 2009
"Tough Love" by Darren Barber
"Love can be wonderful, Love can be kind, Love can be Tough"
The first feature film from 2B Productions films.Seven short love stories, seven writers, seven directors, one “interlinkable” film
About the film: The concept came to me that there were many talented writers, directors and crew trying to get there work noticed. After hearing a song about a young mother working the streets to be able to feed and cloth her much loved baby son the idea came why not make a feature film out of a selection of short stories of people in situations of love that were not always easy. Most people think of love and think its perfection and that love always brings happiness but this is not always the case. The next avenue was what situations that are happening in present day society that can be perceived as 'Tough Love'
I sat down and was quickly able to come up with experiences that would explore and look at Tough Love and seven ideas came to light. The reason in the number seven was that a feature film really needs to be over an hour long. I envisage each story being between 10 to a maximum of fifteen minutes per segment. Throughout the film the characters would then come into contact with one another and I would then bring everything together at the end of the film so in total I believe we are looking at an 80 minute duration of the film.
The next stage was to link up seven talented writers to contribute to the project. Through various avenues I was able to source and interact with several award winning writers who took away my ideas and created working scripts. I also had an active input in four of the scripts bashing ideas together with the writers and will then liaise with them. We have also developed ways in which all films link together through various characters.
The next stage was harder; a search began for seven talented directors that had something about them that stood out. We needed to find someone that not only had some talent but also had some experience of bending the rules of film making to lower cost, taking an Indie film making approach and making something look good with the minimum of money.
The scripts:
Short one written by Tom Wilton ‘Jack and Michelle’. Michelle is a young first time mother juggling the love of her newborn son Jack with coming clean from heroin and a street life of prostitution. Although Michelle finds it tough she tries her hardest to care for the boy and give up her old life of drugs and prostitution. Needing cash to support Jack she visits the streets once again but this time trying to con punters but not everyone can be conned.
Short two written by Howard Rayner'A day to remember'. Ann is living in a home and suffering from Alzheimer’s, Ralph loves her now as much as he did when they first married forty years ago. On their wedding anniversary Ralph decides to take her on a trip to relive a treasured day they once shared at the seaside to try and bring a smile to her face and hope she will remember at least something about the special day.
Short three written by Ewen Glass ‘Skype’s the limit’ looks at the long distance relationship between a father serving in Afghanistan and his wife and ten year old son when the only way the family can regularly communicate is through webcam and Skype. A tender and in places funny story of how mother and son cope with dad being away and the dangers it brings.
Short four written by Ron Brunwin 'Love Divine' looks at the trauma when a young women Donna falls in love with her priest Father Simon. Donna has been suffering domestic violence at the hands of her abusive partner Jeff. She keeps visiting the priest looking for a way out falling in love with him not accepting his commitment to the church. Although Father Simon does not give into temptation he does give Donna a way out.
Short five written by Silva Neves 'Hole in One'.Whilst out on the golf course a son finally picks up the courage to tell his father he is gay. He has idolised this man for his entire life and knows that it’s time to tell the truth even though he fears loosing the one man he loves most.
Short six written by Dominic Jenkinson ‘The Anniversary’ Its Eric and Lil’s 64th Wedding anniversary, Eric and Lil have been married 64 blissful years and have treasured every moment together. It’s not just Eric’s wedding anniversary but also the anniversary of the day he shot a German soldier in the Second World War. As Eric recalls the event to their beloved cat Monty Lil lies quietly upstairs in bed waiting to be joined by her beloved husband.
Short seven will look at love and religion this time an Indian girl facing the prejudice of the parents of her white partner.(Currently in development with Andrew McCoy)
Early PR:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2009/02/18/tough_love_wiltshire_film_feature.shtml
I am also due to do a live BBC radio interview in April along with one of our Director's Paul Bayley to talk about the upcoming film.
Details on the shoot:
The film is due to begin filming in August. Primarily the shoot will last around two weeks and then there will be two more blocks of three days between September and October to complete the shoot. Filming is mainly in Wiltshire, Weston and Bristol so this may appeal mainly to Southwest based crew.
The end product for the film would be to enter it into film festival. It’s a unique film concept that hasn’t been done before and therefore we are positive it will potentially be well received. Alongside this we could look at the potential distribution of the film through an online marketplace like Amazon. The film would act we hope as a calling card for all involved. We will also premier the film in local cinema.
As always with Indie/Low budget film making we cannot afford to pay people so are looking for like minded people that want to work on an exciting project and build there portfolio with up and coming people. We are looking to build lasting relationships and everyone will be credited for their hard work.
Expenses covered only, as well as crew being well fed and watered. We will also look at a potential profit share that would mean if the film ever did get to make any money everyone involved would get something for the time that they put in.
Please get in touch if you think you can bring something to the table. You dont have to have vast experience just the passion for the film to succeed.
We are after pretty much everything including:
-Production Manager (To oversee the production, including shooting schedule).
-Locations Manager (This may suit a locations assistant that wants a credit as a locations manager as a next step).
-DOP (Someone that has a good eye for visual style, photography on a film)
-Art & Props Department (We have various bits and pieces that will need designing and creating by someone talented)-Stills Photographer (For onset and PR photos)
-Promotional materials designer (for DVD artwork, posters, promotional materials, etc)
-Production Assistants (For all areas of helping in the film production, must be enthusiastic person)
-Sound People (We should have out sound kit sponsored but its essential to have good sound people using it)-Lighting (Someone who is good with the old red heads)
-Editors (Looking for editors to take over the post production, someone wanting to build a feature film into their portfolio)
-Make up artist (We have one talented make up artist but its always good to have more)
We are currently after sponsorship for the film. Please if you can sponsor anything be it a minibus or van for the shoot, grip equipment, lighting a hotel room or some catering please get in touch.
Contact Info
Email:badboybarber@msn.com
Website:http://www.2bproductionsfilms.com/
The first feature film from 2B Productions films.Seven short love stories, seven writers, seven directors, one “interlinkable” film
About the film: The concept came to me that there were many talented writers, directors and crew trying to get there work noticed. After hearing a song about a young mother working the streets to be able to feed and cloth her much loved baby son the idea came why not make a feature film out of a selection of short stories of people in situations of love that were not always easy. Most people think of love and think its perfection and that love always brings happiness but this is not always the case. The next avenue was what situations that are happening in present day society that can be perceived as 'Tough Love'
I sat down and was quickly able to come up with experiences that would explore and look at Tough Love and seven ideas came to light. The reason in the number seven was that a feature film really needs to be over an hour long. I envisage each story being between 10 to a maximum of fifteen minutes per segment. Throughout the film the characters would then come into contact with one another and I would then bring everything together at the end of the film so in total I believe we are looking at an 80 minute duration of the film.
The next stage was to link up seven talented writers to contribute to the project. Through various avenues I was able to source and interact with several award winning writers who took away my ideas and created working scripts. I also had an active input in four of the scripts bashing ideas together with the writers and will then liaise with them. We have also developed ways in which all films link together through various characters.
The next stage was harder; a search began for seven talented directors that had something about them that stood out. We needed to find someone that not only had some talent but also had some experience of bending the rules of film making to lower cost, taking an Indie film making approach and making something look good with the minimum of money.
The scripts:
Short one written by Tom Wilton ‘Jack and Michelle’. Michelle is a young first time mother juggling the love of her newborn son Jack with coming clean from heroin and a street life of prostitution. Although Michelle finds it tough she tries her hardest to care for the boy and give up her old life of drugs and prostitution. Needing cash to support Jack she visits the streets once again but this time trying to con punters but not everyone can be conned.
Short two written by Howard Rayner'A day to remember'. Ann is living in a home and suffering from Alzheimer’s, Ralph loves her now as much as he did when they first married forty years ago. On their wedding anniversary Ralph decides to take her on a trip to relive a treasured day they once shared at the seaside to try and bring a smile to her face and hope she will remember at least something about the special day.
Short three written by Ewen Glass ‘Skype’s the limit’ looks at the long distance relationship between a father serving in Afghanistan and his wife and ten year old son when the only way the family can regularly communicate is through webcam and Skype. A tender and in places funny story of how mother and son cope with dad being away and the dangers it brings.
Short four written by Ron Brunwin 'Love Divine' looks at the trauma when a young women Donna falls in love with her priest Father Simon. Donna has been suffering domestic violence at the hands of her abusive partner Jeff. She keeps visiting the priest looking for a way out falling in love with him not accepting his commitment to the church. Although Father Simon does not give into temptation he does give Donna a way out.
Short five written by Silva Neves 'Hole in One'.Whilst out on the golf course a son finally picks up the courage to tell his father he is gay. He has idolised this man for his entire life and knows that it’s time to tell the truth even though he fears loosing the one man he loves most.
Short six written by Dominic Jenkinson ‘The Anniversary’ Its Eric and Lil’s 64th Wedding anniversary, Eric and Lil have been married 64 blissful years and have treasured every moment together. It’s not just Eric’s wedding anniversary but also the anniversary of the day he shot a German soldier in the Second World War. As Eric recalls the event to their beloved cat Monty Lil lies quietly upstairs in bed waiting to be joined by her beloved husband.
Short seven will look at love and religion this time an Indian girl facing the prejudice of the parents of her white partner.(Currently in development with Andrew McCoy)
Early PR:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2009/02/18/tough_love_wiltshire_film_feature.shtml
I am also due to do a live BBC radio interview in April along with one of our Director's Paul Bayley to talk about the upcoming film.
Details on the shoot:
The film is due to begin filming in August. Primarily the shoot will last around two weeks and then there will be two more blocks of three days between September and October to complete the shoot. Filming is mainly in Wiltshire, Weston and Bristol so this may appeal mainly to Southwest based crew.
The end product for the film would be to enter it into film festival. It’s a unique film concept that hasn’t been done before and therefore we are positive it will potentially be well received. Alongside this we could look at the potential distribution of the film through an online marketplace like Amazon. The film would act we hope as a calling card for all involved. We will also premier the film in local cinema.
As always with Indie/Low budget film making we cannot afford to pay people so are looking for like minded people that want to work on an exciting project and build there portfolio with up and coming people. We are looking to build lasting relationships and everyone will be credited for their hard work.
Expenses covered only, as well as crew being well fed and watered. We will also look at a potential profit share that would mean if the film ever did get to make any money everyone involved would get something for the time that they put in.
Please get in touch if you think you can bring something to the table. You dont have to have vast experience just the passion for the film to succeed.
We are after pretty much everything including:
-Production Manager (To oversee the production, including shooting schedule).
-Locations Manager (This may suit a locations assistant that wants a credit as a locations manager as a next step).
-DOP (Someone that has a good eye for visual style, photography on a film)
-Art & Props Department (We have various bits and pieces that will need designing and creating by someone talented)-Stills Photographer (For onset and PR photos)
-Promotional materials designer (for DVD artwork, posters, promotional materials, etc)
-Production Assistants (For all areas of helping in the film production, must be enthusiastic person)
-Sound People (We should have out sound kit sponsored but its essential to have good sound people using it)-Lighting (Someone who is good with the old red heads)
-Editors (Looking for editors to take over the post production, someone wanting to build a feature film into their portfolio)
-Make up artist (We have one talented make up artist but its always good to have more)
We are currently after sponsorship for the film. Please if you can sponsor anything be it a minibus or van for the shoot, grip equipment, lighting a hotel room or some catering please get in touch.
Contact Info
Email:badboybarber@msn.com
Website:http://www.2bproductionsfilms.com/
A rare photo of the witshire countryside covered in a blanket of snow
Art or vandelism? Either way it's something that can be found all over Calne;-P
Friends chillaxing on a walkway, again this is Lake Garda.
Friends chillaxing on a walkway, again this is Lake Garda.
The graffiti photo was taken of the wall at the end of this walkthrough and as I turned to walk away this image caught my eye.
Old posts
These are photos taken over the last few months that I've really liked. Maybe not all of them are technically great but I've either learnt a lot taking them or have a nice memory of where I was at the time.
My mum again, this was my first proper competition entry and I was pleased with a 6th place as quite a few people entered!
Lake Garda back in September, I loved it there and can't wait to travel back some day.
Paula P
Not the sharpest of photos but one that I like of my sister Mandy!
Thursday, 16 April 2009
The Tales of lightening boy and Other Stories
~ It’s All Fun and Games ~
After the food fight there was such a mess
but I have something more serious to which I confess.
While throwing my pudding of warm apple pie
I somehow got Sally with a fork in the eye.
~ The Boy With A Balloon For A Head~
- No one would believe the things that I said
About seeing a boy with a balloon for a head!
~ Lightening Boy ~
who lives his life in fear.
It doesn't matter where he is
he gets struck several times a year!
Wednesday, 15 April 2009
Film Reviews: * - Poor, miss it ** - Ok *** - Good, especially if you like this sort of thing **** - Excellent ***** - Classic
~ I Love You, Man ~
I With a wealth of date films released over the last few months like Mamma Mia and Sex In The City it's great to finally see the up's and down's of male friendship being examined in John Hamburg's, funny and immediately likeable "homme-com" as Paul Rudd's easy going estate agent searches for a best man for his upcoming wedding.
Fresh off the success of Role Models we see the excellent Paul Rudd finally getting his chance to shine in a lead role as Peter Klaven, setting up and being set up on a series of man dates after he comes to realize that so much focus has been given to his relationships throughout his life that any man chums have been pushed aside.
Director John Hamburg has previous form with scripting the likes of Meet the Parents and Meet the Fockers so it's no surprise that what we see here is a series of tongue-in-cheek humor and well observed takes on life and love. It has
It’s gross out scenes with the likes of projectile vomiting and awkward humor when one man date ends with a gay kiss but nothing ever feels designed just to get a laugh. The comedy moments only add to a warm and relatable script as Peter stops looking and finally finds a kindred spirit in Jason Segal's Sydney.
As the odd couple becomes closer and Peter starts to give in to a series of man chats covering the likes of sex, drugs and the big question on why he's getting married (intersected by some excellent jamming sessions by the way) the obvious divide in the somewhat uneven love triangle - if you count casually put aside fiancé Rashida Jones - starts to show.
Overall this is a constantly funny, if not always laugh out loud - to borrow a term being thrown around quite heavily - "bro-mantic" comedy which thanks to a strong supporting cast stands head and shoulders above other buddy movies. The female roles are evenly handled and never reduced to eye candy or the butt of testosterone fueled jokes which makes the film appealing to both sexes. A great date movie, you just have to decide on if you want to take the girlfriend or find yourself a man chum!
I With a wealth of date films released over the last few months like Mamma Mia and Sex In The City it's great to finally see the up's and down's of male friendship being examined in John Hamburg's, funny and immediately likeable "homme-com" as Paul Rudd's easy going estate agent searches for a best man for his upcoming wedding.
Fresh off the success of Role Models we see the excellent Paul Rudd finally getting his chance to shine in a lead role as Peter Klaven, setting up and being set up on a series of man dates after he comes to realize that so much focus has been given to his relationships throughout his life that any man chums have been pushed aside.
Director John Hamburg has previous form with scripting the likes of Meet the Parents and Meet the Fockers so it's no surprise that what we see here is a series of tongue-in-cheek humor and well observed takes on life and love. It has
It’s gross out scenes with the likes of projectile vomiting and awkward humor when one man date ends with a gay kiss but nothing ever feels designed just to get a laugh. The comedy moments only add to a warm and relatable script as Peter stops looking and finally finds a kindred spirit in Jason Segal's Sydney.
As the odd couple becomes closer and Peter starts to give in to a series of man chats covering the likes of sex, drugs and the big question on why he's getting married (intersected by some excellent jamming sessions by the way) the obvious divide in the somewhat uneven love triangle - if you count casually put aside fiancé Rashida Jones - starts to show.
Overall this is a constantly funny, if not always laugh out loud - to borrow a term being thrown around quite heavily - "bro-mantic" comedy which thanks to a strong supporting cast stands head and shoulders above other buddy movies. The female roles are evenly handled and never reduced to eye candy or the butt of testosterone fueled jokes which makes the film appealing to both sexes. A great date movie, you just have to decide on if you want to take the girlfriend or find yourself a man chum!
***
~ The Boat That Rocked ~
As the swinging 60’s plays host to some of the most memorable rock/pop sounds of the 20th century, the government is doing all they can to restrict any radio airplay. It’s left to the misfits who run pirate radio stations like Radio rock to broadcast 24 hours a day to millions of loyal fans getting their groove on in more ways than one.
Richard Curtis returns to his first writer/director role since Love Actually, this time armed with the promise of edgier material. Sadly the film shy’s away from covering anything in too much detail – sex and drugs are mentioned but don’t feature heavily – even conflict between the DJ’s is gently pushed aside to make way for schoolboy humor and practical jokes.
With Curtis’ previous work in TV comedies such as Blackadder and The Vicar of Dibley you could guarantee that every character would be memorable for one reason or another, but with this film so many personalities are on board it’s difficult to pick any that genuinely stand out. Although this doesn’t mean they don’t have their moments to shine. Phillip Seymour Hoffman is on top form as US DJ “The Count” finding rivalry in Rhys Ifans pimped out returning nemesis Gavin. One genuinely great turn comes in the form of Ralph Brown’s forgotten about twilight DJ “Bob”.
If any of this sounds overly negative it can’t outweigh the overall positive thoughts I have. The way in which the somewhat overly long running time effortlessly passes by, helped along by the best soundtrack since Slumdog Millionaire, it didn’t once feel tiresome. As the film enters the final act, with more than just a fleeting reference to Titanic, I felt it really began to level out. LP covers gently drift into the ghostly depths; the crew takes up their final stand and as the ship begins to upend the film really is at its best!
Although it’s silly, it’s not stupid and maybe it’s to light for some people but as I danced and sang my way out of the cinema I can confirm this is definitely one boat that rocks!!!!
As the swinging 60’s plays host to some of the most memorable rock/pop sounds of the 20th century, the government is doing all they can to restrict any radio airplay. It’s left to the misfits who run pirate radio stations like Radio rock to broadcast 24 hours a day to millions of loyal fans getting their groove on in more ways than one.
Richard Curtis returns to his first writer/director role since Love Actually, this time armed with the promise of edgier material. Sadly the film shy’s away from covering anything in too much detail – sex and drugs are mentioned but don’t feature heavily – even conflict between the DJ’s is gently pushed aside to make way for schoolboy humor and practical jokes.
With Curtis’ previous work in TV comedies such as Blackadder and The Vicar of Dibley you could guarantee that every character would be memorable for one reason or another, but with this film so many personalities are on board it’s difficult to pick any that genuinely stand out. Although this doesn’t mean they don’t have their moments to shine. Phillip Seymour Hoffman is on top form as US DJ “The Count” finding rivalry in Rhys Ifans pimped out returning nemesis Gavin. One genuinely great turn comes in the form of Ralph Brown’s forgotten about twilight DJ “Bob”.
If any of this sounds overly negative it can’t outweigh the overall positive thoughts I have. The way in which the somewhat overly long running time effortlessly passes by, helped along by the best soundtrack since Slumdog Millionaire, it didn’t once feel tiresome. As the film enters the final act, with more than just a fleeting reference to Titanic, I felt it really began to level out. LP covers gently drift into the ghostly depths; the crew takes up their final stand and as the ship begins to upend the film really is at its best!
Although it’s silly, it’s not stupid and maybe it’s to light for some people but as I danced and sang my way out of the cinema I can confirm this is definitely one boat that rocks!!!!
***
Recent attempts
I recently purchased a new zoom lens (Canon 17-85mm EFS) which has opened up some new options for me, especially as I'm a big fan of wide angled shots.
This was taken a while back but I quite like it as it's calming. Taken whil in Italy back in Sept '08. More photos from this trip will be posted separately.
A good one to get out of the way early I think, a photo of me as a young boy!
Two good friends of mine, Mark and Paula. Thanks to a lot of time and patience from Mark I've been able to get my head around using my camera properly. Check out Mark's blog @
A good one to get out of the way early I think, a photo of me as a young boy!My niece has just got herself a new Jack Russell puppy and for 4 months old he's amazingly well behaved!
Photography / filming info
I've always loved photography, it kind of led from my obsession with film I guess. After 6 months of trial and error I think I'm finally getting somewhere with it and have decided to share some of my efforts with everyone.
I have a Canon EOS 350D with 2 kit lenses. The first is an 18-55mm which is great to start with but it soon becomes apparent that the focus isn't very sharp and it has a very cheap feel to it. I also have a 55-200mm zoom lens which for a kit lens is actually pretty decent, it's certainly good enough for the amount I use it. I have a 50mm prime lens which at f/1.8 is great in low light conditions and being a prime it's amazingly sharp compared to basic zoom lenses. I've also just bought a second hand 17-85mm lens which is the upgrade from the 18-55mm and comes as part of the kit with the newer Canon 40/50D's. It's such an amazing lens and has given me that push to try new things, if you can get hold of a second hand one for around £300 I would do it.
I also have such huge passion for films, most of the time film is on my mind in one way or another. I'll either be watching them or reading about them and more often than not dreaming of making something myself. I love all types of film from old classics to world cinema and I think we have some amazing talent in the UK. I bought myself a Canon HV30 a while back with the intention of trying a few things out but over the last 6 months my time has really been more focussed on photography.
Although to my amazement I've been given the opportunity to work as a production assistant on a new feature film called Tough Love due to start filming in August. The producer/director Darren Barber has been very supportive of new talent and it someone to watch out for in the future. I'll post all the information about this separetely as it's going to be such an amazing project and the more people we can make aware of it the better!
All comments welcome!
I have a Canon EOS 350D with 2 kit lenses. The first is an 18-55mm which is great to start with but it soon becomes apparent that the focus isn't very sharp and it has a very cheap feel to it. I also have a 55-200mm zoom lens which for a kit lens is actually pretty decent, it's certainly good enough for the amount I use it. I have a 50mm prime lens which at f/1.8 is great in low light conditions and being a prime it's amazingly sharp compared to basic zoom lenses. I've also just bought a second hand 17-85mm lens which is the upgrade from the 18-55mm and comes as part of the kit with the newer Canon 40/50D's. It's such an amazing lens and has given me that push to try new things, if you can get hold of a second hand one for around £300 I would do it.
I also have such huge passion for films, most of the time film is on my mind in one way or another. I'll either be watching them or reading about them and more often than not dreaming of making something myself. I love all types of film from old classics to world cinema and I think we have some amazing talent in the UK. I bought myself a Canon HV30 a while back with the intention of trying a few things out but over the last 6 months my time has really been more focussed on photography.
Although to my amazement I've been given the opportunity to work as a production assistant on a new feature film called Tough Love due to start filming in August. The producer/director Darren Barber has been very supportive of new talent and it someone to watch out for in the future. I'll post all the information about this separetely as it's going to be such an amazing project and the more people we can make aware of it the better!
All comments welcome!
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