I provide creativity at 186,000 miles per second. Stories are realized through my use of light, lenses, filters, sound and recording media. Stories are viewed through my selection in framing and blocking of actors. Stories are told through my choices of editing the motion pictures and the sound. But none of it happens without the assistance of dozens of talented people who I have the privilege of working with daily. I am here on Nextcat to meet interesting people both inside and outside the film industry. I maintain this page to showcase various projects and as a resource for those who are interested in the art of cinematography, editing and directing. I thrive on my networking of hardworking colleagues and reciprocity. Do you have a story to tell or something to promote? I am open to explore how we might work together so feel free to contact me.
Floating my Sony Z1U and RedRock M2 system with a Zeiss lens to capture a story with precision.
Using the Steadicam to keep the fast shot smooth on a bumpy road.
Booming my Steadicam and camera to frame the action.
From the script to the screen I combine high definition cameras/8 - 300mm motion picture lenses with a multi-track triple-sound recording system to produce widescreen motion imagery that stirs emotion.
The texture, depth and shadow of the scenes I lens are achieved by using cool "heat-free" microprocessor controlled LED light banks. Best of all, the color temperature of the light never changes and the talent never gets all hot and bothered. As shown below, I can look through these lights to adjust the illumination for the greatest detail or to minimize any flaw. These precise controls allow me to compose imagery that is both beautiful and compelling.
I plan for success right from the start. By using 3-D modeling I can plan virtually every camera move, lens type and perspective in advance before the crew arrives on the set or the camera starts rolling.
This previsualization saves time and effort by virtually testing the blocking of each stage, each setup, each light and each position. Any virtual actor can be moved (with the appropriate props) and choreographed to a particular path and arrive at any predetermined location. Best of all, it can then be changed on-the-fly to an improved design or more suitable arrangement. It is then rendered electronically so the scene can be viewed from any angle.
While all this techno is cool, it is just mumbo-jumbo if it cannot be clearly communicated and understood by all parties. Of course, it is even better because I can share it at little or no cost. The screen shot below shows how multiple parties can collaborate with me online in real time, visually and orally frame by frame. Again, this saves the enormous costs in wasted time and travel. This is possible because anyone collaborating on the project through this internet-based interface can control the play (pause, rewind, etc.) of the content while concurrently sharing their views. All of this technology allows each actor, model, grip, gaffer, DP, producer, etc., to know exactly what is expected before arriving on location.
Are you a model, actor or image conscious professional who is looking to showcase their appearance and or talent? I employ award-winning stylists who apply specific makeup techniques that are required for proper lensing in this high definition medium. I want you to look your very best!
The results are stunning! Look at the high definition wide-screen image I lensed below.
Now compare it with the obvious lack of detail and limited perspective shown in the standard definition image below. I am are confident you will agree that this lower quality is not acceptable in today's image conscious world.
It is not just a matter of pointing a great camera at a subject. Capturing great images also require the use of special glass filters in front of the lens as shown below.
By combining several filters I can soften features of the skin and enhance your appeal. If you look great, so do I!
As shown below, my filters can also enhance the background to create an artistic effect or increase contrast within the composition.
Robert Stewart (pictured below) is an accomplished photographer who has worked with me for over 15 years. I rely on his expertise for all forms of still photography and location lighting. To learn more about Bob and see more of his work simply visit his website at www.rstewartphoto.com
While this may not sound right initially, it is true! 70 percent of what you see, learn and appreciate is with your ears. Try to watch a movie or the news with the sound off. It is for this reason I spend as much if not more of my resources to create and edit great sound.
Hearing the spoken word clearly is critical. Although ADR (Automatic Dialog Replacement) is anything but automatic, my ADR system includes a battery powered widescreen monitor, a 16 channel Mackie mixer, a Tascam digital audio recorder and Shure SM7B microphone. This assists the talent to precisely synchronize the words and emotional tone of their dialog to the visual representation of it on the screen. I then mix the ADR with ambient sound, effects and music to craft a message that is clear and memorable.
No aspect of film producing has more impact than a finely crafted custom musical soundtrack. I achieve this through my relationship with world-class composer and performer Jeffrey Chin.
Once I have edited the visual content and sound effects then Jeffrey scores and performs the music that drives the mood of each scene and accents what you see. The results are nothing less than spectacular! Click on the link below to hear a sample of his work:
Listen to a sample of a film score produced for me by Jeffrey Chin Your content can be stored on a mini DVD that can be distributed like a business card. Many special shaped DVDs are available upon request. In addition, I welcome you to store your content on our streaming server so it can be viewed online.
Now you can look like you are anywhere in the world. My portable chroma-keying system allows me to replace the special green fabric you stand in front of (and or on) with any image or motion images to achieve that weather-man effect. So you work/live on the 12th floor of downtown building but want to look like you are in Caribbean? I can do that!
Just stand/sit in front of this green-screen and I'll do the rest. I even have a teleprompter to help you along with your lines.
This technology also allows you to act and interact within virtual worlds that replace the green background you are filmed. Examples of some of the dozens I have available are shown below. I can always create a custom one for you as well.
These virtual sets are not static. I can pan in any direction, change angle and customize to fit you in so your message is clear and distinct. In this example, each of the virtual monitors in the background can carry your message as an image or video to reinforce your concept. This helps to sell the shot.
Each project is completed by editing the footage I lens with my library of over 18,000 film clips, 9,000 customizable special effects and 35,000 sounds. I can also create an original musical score to accompany your project. Delivery is available on tape, DVD or streamed over the internet from my servers in your choice of format. And all for a lot less than you would think. I have been trained and certified by Sony and The Sundance Media Group in high definition production. I am also a certified Steadicam Operator/Owner. I am a proud member of the Digital Cinema Society, the Steadicam Operators Association, the American Film Institute, the Detroit Film Center and the International Documentary Association. In addition, my company is a Better Business Bureau Accredited Business. Below is a photograph of the editing process of footage I lensed for Freek Energy Drink.
I employ the highest aesthetic and artistic sensibilities so your commercial, fashion model portfolio reel, documentary, feature film or event archive will have the same organic sensation that is associated with the "deep pockets" of a Hollywood production. Because my studio is completely mobile, I offer incredibly flexible planning to capture your vision easily and cost effectively. I own and maintain all of our cinematic, pro-audio and editing equipment so it is available anytime we need to start, process and deliver your project.
If you are interested in thoughtful planning and the use of the finest technical resources let us discuss your ideas. My name is John P. Lauri and I can be reached by email at: answers@DiamondInfo.com or by phone at 248-417-2886.
Below is a list of some of the tools I own and use to make the magic happen:
HARDWARE: Sony HVR-Z1U high definition cameras. Sony HVR-M10U recorder. Steadicam F12VLBN with IDX Endura E-10S Batteries. Mark V Director's Viewfinder. Marshall V-R70P field monitor. RedrockMicro M2 35mm lens system. Various Nikon, Arri, Cooke, 16x9, Zeiss, Schneider Optics lenses. Chrosziel 450 matte box. Selection of 4x4 glass filters. Four mini and one 1' x 1' Litepanel LED lighting kits, color-correcting filters and gels. 2 GM Instruments fiber optical lights with 2mm - 5mm adapters. Sekonic L-758 Cine light meter. Reflecmedia LightRing and Chromaflex. Ultimatte DV. Bogen Manfrotto FigRig, tripods, heads, remotes and wheeled dolly. Axis dolly. Skater-mini dolly.
KE110CC boom pole with wireless sound transmitter. 8 foot Kessler camera crane. 10 x 18 foot green screen. Schoeps CMIT 5U microsphone with Rycote Softie windsheild. Rode NT4 stereo and NT3 microphones. Shure SM7B microphone. Sennheiser WE100 G2 wireless microphone system. Tascam HD-P2 high definition audio recorder. 3 sets of Beyerdynamic DT770 headphones. M Audio studio monitor speakers. Mackie Onyx 1620 analog/firewire mixer. Mackie Control Universal. Super Grip 2 Car Mount. Sony F717 digital still camera. Nikon D80 digital still camera. Nikon D200 digital still camera. 2 custom-built dual core AMD Athlon 64-bit desktop PCs with over 4 ½ terabytes of raid configured storage, a Sony 23 inch P234/b PremierPro LCD and two 19 inch Planar LCD displays. Custom built Intel Core 2 Duo desktop PC with an Apple 23" HD cinema display. 17 inch MacBook Pro. Custom-built Pentium M Asus Z7100 notebook PC designed for HD field recording. Sanyo PLC-XP18N LCD HD projector.
My comfortable project screening room contains a 96" Draper front projection screen with 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound processing and Kef, ADS and Velodyne speaker systems.
SOFTWARE: Sony Vegas Pro 8.0, DVD Architect Pro 4.5, CD Architect 5.2, Sound Forge Pro 8.0, Acid Pro 5, Cinescore 1.0. Adobe After Effects 7.0 Pro, PhotoShop CS2, Illustrator CS2, ImageReady CS2 and Premiere Pro. Color Finesse. Macromedia Flash 8.0. Sorenson Squeeze 4.5. VASST Ultimate S2, Gearshift, EdgeDetective. Serious Magic Ultra2 and HDV Rack v2.0. Cineform NEO HD. Miraizon Cinematize 2.0. Tracktion. Boris FX 9.0. Graffiti 5.0. Pixilan SpiceMaster 2.5. Wax 2.0. Final Draft AV. ScreenWriter 4.7. Antics 2.0.
I also provide creative marketing and graphic design skills to bring your project to market. The following are examples of posters and ads I used to sell two DVDs I directed and produced:
Choose the "View Video" below to watch what Icreated for a South Africa based company that is expanding their business to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This project was completed with only ten jpeg images the client emailed to me. It shows what is possible with very limited resources. The whole project was budgeted at less than $1000.00.
View Cultured Diamonds South Africa Video Choose "View Video" below to view the celebration of Brighton Collectibles' one year anniversary of their location in Novi, Michigan. It features two of my models, Amber Whelan and Francine Cipriano who are featured as shoppers towards the end of the video.
View Brighton Collectibles Video Last but not least, I am always looking to collaborate with new ventures and talent. This includes but is not limited to scripts that could lead to the production of a feature film, a short, commercials or cooperative product marketing. I also regularly help promote seasoned professionals as well as newcomers. Over the years I have been very fortunate to align myself with some wonderfully talented professionals in the film and commercial industry. I am blessed to have the opportunity to rely on their expertise. Nothing is more valuable than a positive network of pros that believe in reciprocity. Will you join me today? Make sure to add me to your MySpace friends!
Your story can now go MOBILE! The video and audio content I create for you can be delivered to your target audience with this roving 6’ x 4’ screen that elevates 13 feet high and rotates. This street licensed vehicle has a footprint of only 14’ x 4’ and is battery powered. Best of all, the ultra-bright nature of this LED screen plays brightly even in direct sunlight! Contact me about scheduling this unique vehicle complete with your custom video content. It can arrive and circulate anywhere to promote your story!
In addition, I can provide the funding for those projects that are compelling enough to warrant my investment in time and resources. Please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss your ideas.
I invite you to request samples of my work on DVD by contacting me here through MySpace, by phone at 248-417-2886 or by email at Answers@DiamondInfo.com. My websites www.DiamondInfo.com, www.DiamondInfoProductions.com, www.IsThatReal.com, and www.ForeverView.com are all under re-construction and will be up and running again soon. In advance, thank you for your patience.
Me and the next president, Mr. Giuliani. Let's support this man!