Monday 22 December 2008

Long Distance Driving Survival Guide pt. 1

All it takes is just a few seconds of shut eye and your world will be spinning out of control. Fortunately, falling asleep at the wheel is an avoidable mistake.

Our services as professional videographers are required by businesses far and wide. Sometimes we fly in but we are all too aware of the restrictions and inconveniences we face at airports. Compounded with the hassle of arranging public transportation after touchdown to send us on-location, we are putting our team at risk of a late arrival.



Long distance driving is more science than art. There are many ways to fight fatigue and remain focused on the road. Many of these techniques are also useful to the vacationer. The key ingredient in staying fresh at the wheel is research and planning.

Whenever we can, our Videography team would rather drive ourselves. With our own vehicle at our disposal, we can come and go when we please, maybe do a little sightseeing after work.

Long Distance Driving Survival Guide:
These techniques are intended for drivers who have to traverse at least 300KM in a vehicle and spend more than 3 hours behind the wheel. REMEMBER, the safety of your team is in your hands so, Drive Safe!

The toughest part of long distance driving is Staying Awake. Here are a few tips to help you remain focused at the wheel:

1) Grab a bunch of sour-flavoured candy.
Somehow, sour tid-bits seem to banish the drowsiness. When you start to nod off, deploy these candies.

2) Grab a bunch of peanuts.

Biting and chewing tid-bits help to get your blood pumping. You'll want to keep these snacks for when you really need them. Don't go on a free-for-all binge.

3) Chat (verbally)
Talking about various topics with your team will ease the mundane task of staring down endless highways. Keep in mind passengers may not sacrifice their nap time to converse with you.

4) Stretch
Periodically, very carefully and with both hands on the steering wheel, rock your head from side to side. Swing your head up and down. With one hand on the wheel, stretch your hand behind your seat as far as you can go. Rock your pelvis from side to side. Doing these will help alleviate pins and needles. To a small degree, it will help improve your blood circulation.

5) Smile
Clearly not as effective as chomping on a peanut but even a forced smile helps when you're fresh out of candies. Smile like it's going out of fashion, with teeth bared and facial muscles flexed for a few seconds. Repeat as many times as necessary.

6) Extreme Measures
I don't encourage this method but if all else fails, touch a hot surface. Some cars have a parking brake that is not upholstered where it extends into the car's exterior. After some time on the road, this metal part heats up. Touching this surface for a short span of time is sure to send a surge of adrenalin up, dissipating any thoughts of sleep.

In my Long Distance Driving Survival Guide pt. 2, I will write about Arriving On Time.

Thursday 16 October 2008

Wódka Wyborowa -Product Video-

Videography of Wódka Wyborowa Exquisite proved to be a challenge because of the highly reflective AND transparent nature of the bottle.



Polish 'wódka' makes its debut with their premium offering, the Wódka Wyborowa Exquisite. Famed architect Frank Gehry also played a role in the bottle's design.

Our concept of this Product Video was to recreate Wódka Wyborowa's facade: clea, clear, savoury creaminess with a smooth, elegant finish.

Videography of Wódka Wyborowa Exquisite proved to be a challenge because of the highly reflective AND transparent nature of the bottle. The wódka and the bottle are both transparent thus negating the use of a coloured background. The risk of overexposure during shooting also increased the difficulty of this project.

Despite the challenges, we managed to produce an awesome piece of work, we incorporated subtle camera movements and added delicate lighting and exposure control.

WOLFANG DIGITAL used 3D animation to spice up the video. The animated text were given a glassy, reflective blue hue, in line with Wódka Wyborowa's corporate identity. The text danced over its own reflection, as in on a frozen lake.

WOLFANG DIGITAL is proud to introduce to you another Product Video. If you have a product or service you'd like to highlight to the world, we welcome you to get in touch with us.

Here's a little history on the origins of Wódka Wyborowa Exquisite:
Wyborowa Exquisite is single-estate quality, produced exclusively from a single variety of premium rye, grown on a single estate around the village of Turew (near Poznan in Western Poland), an area long associated with the production of high quality grain and vodka. The highest levels of quality control and a unique production process ensure Wyborowa Exquisite is truly exceptional vodka. Wyborowa Exquisite boasts an elegant mouth-feel on the palate with delicate notes of fresh rye bread, Brazil nuts and growing savoury creaminess, with sweetness well-balanced by lightly toasty dryness. The finish is lightly spiced, with a sweet-dry nutty finish and a hint of sesame

Monday 13 October 2008

Videography Footwear

'On rocky ground, it saved me from some painful sprains a couple of times'

Good Videography doesn't boil down to what you wear or what covers your feet. It does however, dictate your level of comfort during a videography session and how long you can function effectively and creatively as a Videographer.

Depending on the project on hand, Videographers may be required to walk briskly, run, jump, kneel or squat. Some projects require Videographers to shoot in the jungle, in the desert, in the middle of traffic, in rocky or muddy terrain.

How does the practical yet fashion conscious Videographer transition from a wedding shoot to a corporate shoot without spending too much on shoes (and instead, spend it on the next video camera). A trendy and rugged Timberland will set us back by about $120. You surely don't want to see another scratch on your precious Timberland shoes.


Original SWAT tactical boots are a boon to Videographers.

Do safety shoes qualify? I think not. Most safety shoes are inflexible, restricting movement and heavy. How about Camel Active? You're getting warmer but they aren't as durable as we want them to be.

So what's my choice for footwear? I suggest a pair of boots. Not just any pair of boots but tactical boots- the kind that SWAT teams strap on for a mission.

After trying on various footwear including Bata, Converse, Nike, Reebok, Adidas and Puma, I'm elated to find the perfect pair of footwear that meet these requirements:

1) Lightweight (your camera and gear are heavy enough)
2) Durable (if it's good enough for the military, it's good enough for me)
3) Reasonably priced
4) Fashionable (like it or not, guy handling video camera stands out)
5) Flexible (for us to move with precision)
6) Cusions footfalls (great for Glidecam operation)
7) Traction (do the shoes 'grab' the floor?)
8) Comfortable (to enable us to walk in them for hours on end)

For about $99, a new pair of Original SWAT tactical boots paint a cool picture of us in our video gear and more importantly, helps us get our job done.

I've used them in various surfaces and it helps me keep my footing. On rocky ground, it saved me from some painful sprains a couple of times. On questionable terrain where grass tend to grow taller than my waist, I'm confident my feet are protected from insects and reptiles.

When using the Glidecam, the soles help make my footfalls softer, reducing camera shake even further. The boots give me a high degree of flex and movement. Foot placement become accurate and firm.

I pay no heed to every jagged rock that glances off my boots, unlike my expensive Timberland. The more nicks my boots suffer, the more rugged it looks, like a good pair of jeans.

There is a disadvantage to this setup: boots are hard to come off!

Tuesday 7 October 2008

Your virtual salesman: The Product Video

'The Product Video is a tireless sales promoter.'

This video exist for one main reason: your products and/or services. It's a video designed to showcase your product, its strenghts and features, installation instructions and your promotions.

A comprehensive product video will usually come with voice overs and video titles to help your customers understand your products' unique selling point. Animated graphs and diagrams will help to dispel any doubts about your products' integrity.


The Product Video's main focus is to highlight your products' features

For demonstrations that are too complex, 3D Animation combined with live action videography will get the most difficult points across to the simplest of minds.

Imagine your product video being played repetitively in your showroom, displaying your products and its features. The Product Video is a tireless sales promoter. It's the first impression your customers get of your brand and often, it's one of your most effective sales tool.

To produce a Product Video, WolFang Digital provides the following services:

1) Scriptwriting
2) Videography (Full day)
3) Video Editing (approx. 4 to 5 days)
4) 3D Animation
5) Motion Graphics
6) Video Titles

Duration of video:
approx. 5 to 10 minutes

This Video is most suitable for use in:
Product Demonstrations
Showrooms/Retail Outlets
Exhibitions/Trade Shows

To view more Product Videos, visit:
Product Videos from WOLFANG DIGITAL

Thursday 18 September 2008

Videography: Purchasing your Video Camera pt. 1

Canon's most recent high-end, high definition offering: the glorious Xl H1S

Your first steps in becoming a Videographer will obviously be an exciting adventure and no less expensive either. One of the main reasons all Videographers are passionate about their work is because Videography equipment is expensive. When he or she decides to turn from amateur to professional, they are already committed to purchasing costly equipment.

So what are some of the features that you should look for when purchasing a camcorder? Here are some of the most important features:

1) Depth of Field
One of my most important criteria is the length of the camera's lens. The longer the lens, the more shallow the depth of field. A shallow depth of field renders both the foreground and background out of focus, bringing the subject into clear focus.

2) Preset and Custom White Balance
Some cameras allow the user to keep more than one White Balance setting. This feature lets Videographers easily switch settings when under different light temperature (sunlight has a higher colour temperature than tungsten light). Not having to set the White Balance each time the camcorder shoots in a distinctly different lighting is a time saving advantage.

3) Full Manual Exposure Controls
The ability to control your shutter speed, aperture and gain independently of each other is crucial as you will end up in situations where fine tweaking these settings yield the best results

I will cover more important features you should consider in a Video Camera. Here's a short description:
4) Full Manual Audio Controls
5) Video and Audio inputs
6) Manual Zoom and Manual Focus Ring

Look out for my next article, Videography: Purchasing your Video Camera pt. 2

Tuesday 2 September 2008

Martell VSOP Rising Personalities Awards 2008

'Prior to the award night, WOLFANG DIGITAL produced Biography Videos of each of the award recipients...'




Martell VSOP hosts the 2008 'Rising Personalities Award' an extravagant gala dinner to honour 10 of the most promising personalities from various industries.

The Rising Personalities Awards recognises individuals who have risen above the competition, life’s challenges and more importantly, their own expectations, in their pursuit of career advancement and life as a whole.

WOLFANG DIGITAL captured the nuances and ambiance of the gala dinner as it unfolded. Our Videography team provided Live Video Feed which transmitted video of the Rising Personalities as they arrived, each chauffeured in a Mercedes. The video was played live to guests already lounging in the reception area.

Prior to the award night, WOLFANG DIGITAL produced Biography Videos of each of the award recipients. These videos were played for guests before each personality walked onto stage to receive their award.

A fashion show titled 'Birds of the Amazon' by Fashion Stylist Cris Yong, jointly produced by DJ Blink dazzled us with flamboyant haute coutour accompanied by exotic tunes. Grand Prize winner Joanne Yeoh also entertained us with her mastery of her violin, mesmerizing us with renditions of classical tunes. Malaysian Idol Jaclyn Victor also got into the act and presented us with choice songs.

WOLFANG DIGITAL projected the activities on stage onto colossal screens so guests could fully experience the awards ceremony regardless of their seating location.

We deployed two video cameras for this event: one to provide Live Video Feed while another mingled with guests, capturing choice close up shots. As before, this year's Gala Dinner was a fun experience for us.

Friday 29 August 2008

Cutting It Right: Video Editing pt. 3 of 3

This is the conclusion to my 3 part series of 'Cutting It Right: Video Editing'

Read Cutting It Right: Video Editing part 1
Read Cutting it Right: Video Editing part 2

8) Colour Correction
This process involves a pair of sharp eye and a sensitive heart. Colours bring about different emotions- orange may mean energy and give the time of day as evening. Blue may indicate a high-tech feel. Purple could mean insinuate elegance or romance. Colour Correction is an important, creative and exacting process.

9) Presentation
The completed Video is then presented to the Video Director who makes the necessary amendments based on his intimate understanding of the product. If the Video Director doesn't give the green light, the Video will not be seen by the client. That simple.

The Video that ends up being viewed by our clients have gone through the exacting scrutiny of our Video Director's eyes. Since we write the script, we know the product almost just as well as the client.

10) DVD Encoding & Mastering


It takes many years of action before a fresh graduate evolves into a finely honed WolFang Digital Video Editor. Our Video Editors have the innate skill to combine various Video Footage into a seamless video for various purpose, be it a fast paced Event Video or a more informative yet state of the art Corporate Video.

The Video Editor keeps track of hundreds of Video clips that may amount to thousands if he is working on more than one project. His eyes are sharp- his brain is able to discern good takes from mediocre ones, he can discern the right colour for any scene and he is able to evaluate music for the various projects.

Cutting it right is just one of the disciplines within the world of Video Production but nevertheless, it is an important and challenging one. Becoming a good Video Editor takes years of practice. Becoming a good Video Editor makes one more sensitive to the world around them, it is a rewarding experience.


Read Cutting it Right: Video Editing part 1
Read Cutting it Right: Video Editing part 2

Background Support

'There are situations when setting up a tripod or even a light stand will indeed pose a threat to the environment...'




In our line of work, I meet with many decision makers and business owners who are admired for their passion towards their products and services. They are the same folks who award us projects and sign our cheques.

It comes as no surprise that during our meetings, they are reluctant to stop production for Videography sessions. Factories continue operations, banks will continue to serve customers, showrooms display and sell, hospitals treat patients. The success of a business depends on maximum operational time. Taking an unscheduled break will add a crimp in their bottom line.



WOLFANG DIGITAL's Videography team have adapted to this environment by working efficiently- our equipment set-up and deployment drill is constantly rehearsed and improved upon.

We are able to work on-location without having to interrupt our client's operations. Sometimes, this means using the environment to our advantage. Where sunlight is available, we deploy our video cameras in positions that leverage on natural light.

As a part-time lecturer, I used to tell my students that to produce professional looking looking videos, a tripod is a video camera's best friend. There are exceptions, however.

Whenever a video camera is detached from a tripod, we collapse and hide it. What's worse than having a 'stray' tripod being captured on tape is a tripod being a hazard to the client's workforce.

There are situations when setting up a tripod or even a light stand will indeed pose a threat to the environment, such as a busy factory floor where forklifts are zipping along, where colossal robotic arms bend red-hot metal daily.



WOLFANG DIGITAL's team are trained to use objects in the background for camera support. A banister, a chair or table, a railing, a stationary car, walls, the world is littered with 'tripods' that can help us get a stable shot. We are trained to be aware of our surroundings.



Oftentimes we aren't allowed the luxury of deploying our equipment whenever or wherever it pleases us. Producing videos for the corporate world puts us in a situation of constant change. As professional Videographers, we have to assess the situation quickly, improvise and roll with the flow.

Saturday 23 August 2008

Royal Salute 38 'Stone of Destiny'



WOLFANG DIGITAL documented the noteworthy launch of the Royal Salute 38, Stone of Destiny. An elegant and royal setting, a room filled with ancient treasures, a 38 year-old scotch whisky.

The finely superior Royal Salute 38 year old was unveiled to privileged eyes and sampled by distinguished, discerning palate. WOLFANG DIGITAL was honoured to be in the company of his excellency, the 13th Duke of Argyll, Torquhil Ian Campbell who graced us with his presence all the way from his native Scotland.

On display are his excellency's magnificent collection of treasures on loan from his expansive castle, Inveraray in scenic Scotland. WOLFANG DIGITAL did not hesitate to capture these rare wonders that helped shape a nation's history.

The Royal Salute 38 made its grand entrance escorted by a pair of bagpipers in full highland regalia. Scenes from the movies Braveheart and Rob Roy played in our minds amidst the bagpipers' melancholic yet majestic melody.

Thursday 21 August 2008

Cutting It Right: Video Editing pt. 2 of 3

This posting is part 2 of 3 from my Video Editing series, 'Cutting It Right: Video Editing'

View Cutting It Right: Video Editing part 1

4) Editing
This is a creative process where the Video Editor, ususally guided by a Storyboard or Script, crafts the story. The Video Editor lenghtens or shortens a take and inserts them into his edit chronologically or randomly as required by the Script or Storyboard. Videography aside, Editing is the most crucial part of Video Production.

5) Editing with Music
Oftentimes, a Video Editor is required to edit his Video based on the beats of a music track. He takes great care to increase or slow down the pace of his videos based on the cresendo or low points of the track. If the script requires random Video clips, his creativity is needed to insert the most attention grabbing ones into appropriate segments of the music track.

6) Motion Graphics and/or 3D Animation
The Video Editor collaborates with the animation team to create Motion Graphics/3D Animation based on the Video Director's guidelines. The Video Editor inserts these clips as required by the script/storyboard.

7) Voice Over Synchronising
The Video Director is always present during Voice Over Recordings to ensure that the Voice Over Talent gets the pronunciation and intonation right. Attention is given particularly to names and slogans. When the Voice Over Recording is complete, the Video Editor faces the thankless job of inserting the appropriate Voice Overs into position. He will need to make adjustments to the video based on the speed of the Voice Over reading.

View Cutting It Right: Video Editing part 1

Tuesday 19 August 2008

B. Braun Product Video



'The clean layout, the subtle use of its corporate colours and even our choice of Voice Over Talent were complimented.'

In May, WolFang Digital completed a Product Video for B. Braun Avitum. This video features the Nexadia Intelligent Data Management System, a software that manages a network of dialysis machines.

Each Nexadia Monitor is able to remotely control, monitor and document treatment procedures for a host of networked heaemodialysis machines, allowing nurses to spend more time with their patients and significantly improving the efficiency of the nephrologist's administrative tasks.

Videography was done at Penang Adventist Hospital's Renal Care Centre. The video was premiered at the 11th Asian Nephrology Congress at KL Convention Centre, which WolFang Digital also provided Event Photography services.

During one of our final but poignant video presentations to a packed room of sales, marketing and technical managers including its General Manager and a representative from Germany, our video was previewed to a round of applause and compliments from all. The clean layout, the subtle use of its corporate colours and even our choice of Voice Over Talent were complimented.

This is a testament to WolFand Digital's versatility in undertaking various projects from different industries.

Friday 15 August 2008

When the classics do the twist


Here is a short video clip of an artiste par excellence at work.


We're proud to have Joanne Yeoh select WOLFANG DIGITAL as her official Videographers!

WOLFANG DIGITAL was engaged by internationally renowned professional violinist Joanne Yeoh to cover her performance. Joanne worked her bow with passion in the concert hall- thrilling music connoisseur- which was packed to them brim. Some of her fans were sitting on the steps, next to my video camera's tripod!

Knowing full well that music recorded through the on-board camera microphone wouldn't sound good, especially when heard through the tone sensitive ears of a world famous musician, we decided on an alternative plan of action.

Joanne's talented ensemble for that night are acclaimed pianist Dr Lim Pei Sien and cellist Dr Chong Yew Yoong. Music from all three musicians were 'harnessed' and piped into our video camera from specialised AKG microphones installed in close proximity to each of the instruments namely the cello, piano and of course, the violin.



Attached to my ears are a pair of fine enclosed Sennheiser headphones that separates the ambient noise from the music recorded by the video camera. I got to hear the crisp clear sound of music as if I was standing next to the musicians themselves. I was able to enjoy Piano Trio In C Major KV548 by Mozart, Reverie by Claude Debussy, Trio by Charles Ives and La Muerte Del Angel by Astor Piazzolla.

The three masters cooked up a storm, especially Joanne who looked fabulous in her ebony evening gown. Her fingers danced across the strings, she whipped her bow forward and back as she dazzled us with her renditions. We're proud of Joanne Yeoh for winning the Martell VSOP Rising Personalities Award 2007 and having her as our client. We wish her all the best in her next venture!

Wednesday 13 August 2008

A Poignant Moment



During our recce of the Renal Care Centre, the full force of the seriousness of kidney failure had not hit us... yet.


It was an eye opener for us when we visited the Adventist Hospital's Renal Care Centre in Penang. None of my family members or anyone I know of are facing kidney related illness, making this trip a poignant one for us.



WOLFANG DIGITAL traveled to Penang to produce a Product Video for B. Braun Avitum- an internationally renowned pioneer and manufacturer of medical products for treatment of extracorporeal blood treatment (out of body blood cleansing or haemodialysis) based in Germany.

During our recce of the Renal Care Centre, the full force of the seriousness of kidney failure did not hit us... yet. It wasn't until when we started the Videography session when reality descended. We were told that the rows of reclined patients were in various stages of kidney failure.

The head nurse continued to tell us of the three times a week dialysis sessions where each patient had to undergo five to six hours of treatment costing RM 250 a session. It wasn't just the financial aspect of it that disturbed us, it was the abrupt change in lifestyle not to mention the distress each time a needle pierces a vein AND artery. All physical activity had to be kept to a minimum and a strict dieting regime is implemented.



I had to set up the camera in front of the patients although my subject was not the patient but the dialysis machine drawing out their blood, cleaning it and transporting it back to their body. They seemed pleasant enough but by looking at them, I could sense that they had resigned to their fate but always, there was a glimmer of hope.

We all learned that high blood pressure and diabetes led to kidney failure. To anyone out there reading this, take good care of your kidneys. Drink lots of fluids, cut down on your sugar and salt intake and exercise regularly. Being put on dialysis will not just put your life on hold, it will inconvenience your loved ones too.

Photos were taken with my K800i for archiving purposes.

Friday 8 August 2008

Cutting It Right: Video Editing pt. 1 of 3

Bar client presentation, Video Editing is arguably one of the most exciting stages of Video Production. There are a few steps taken during the Video Editing process.

I have divided the topic of Video Editing into 3 posts: Cutting It Right: Video Editing parts 1, 2 and 3. In this blog entry, I will cover the first 3 of the 10 steps.

1) Digitising
Tapes that contain Videos shot on-location are digitised into the computer's hard disk. The Video Editor 'captures' only the best 'takes'. NG (Not Good) footage are not digitised. If a Videographer shoots 5 takes, 2 takes out of the 5 are captured to give the Video Director some choice.

2) Music Selection
Royalty-free music is selected for use in the Video. The choice of music depends the Video currently edited. A Corporate Video on medical equipment would require more high-tech music compared to an Event Video for Wine Tasting, which requires a more mellowed, romantic track.

3) Take Selection
When the Video Editor has digitised all the tapes from a particular Videography session, he will select the best takes from from each scene. He will then lay them out onto a 'Program' or his 'Edit' this will be his worksheet and represents the completed Video.

Look out for Cutting It Right: Video Editing pt. 2 which I'll be posting sometime next week.

Wednesday 6 August 2008

Classical Twist Gear Up



Our client, world renowned professional violinist, Joanne Yeoh will be performing at The Actor's Studio tomorrow night. First thing tomorrow morning, we will be on-location for rehearsals.

We will be Official Videographers for Joanne Yeoh's Classical Twist.

Videographers, Gear up!

Friday 1 August 2008

Hanging in the balance.

As with all things in life, achieving a balance leads to a successful and fulfilling existence. This too, applies to the proper deployment of the Glidecam.

Three years ago, I had the opportunity to edit a Product video for Westin Hotel. The Videography was provided by a third party who used the Flowcam from Varizoom. I mentioned in one of my earlier posts that Varizoom's stabilizing products are nowhere near Glidecam Industries'.

After my own considerable practice with it, I managed to iron out the intricacies of my Glidecam. In retrospect, it was very clear from the get go that the Videographer did not consider balancing his Flowcam before applying it on an actual Videography session. The symptoms are an annoying swing of the video camera along the axes (a left-right or forward-backward rocking motion) when then the Videographer alters the speed of his movement.

A well-balanced Glidecam should not deviate much from any of its axes when the Videographer shifts his movement speed or abruptly stops. The Glidecam manual clearly shows us how to test for balance: walk with the Glidecam (camera mounted, LCD panel folded out) and stop suddenly. There should be no noticeable pendulum-like swinging of the Glidecam; this is a good indication of a well-balanced Glidecam.

I have to allocate about half hour to set up and balance our Glidecam. This means being on-location earlier. During our practice runs, it's a real drag packing up the Glidecam knowing full well it's going to be set-up again the following day.

Wednesday 30 July 2008

PT19 Residency Product Video



'We were complimented, of all things for our copywriting.'

On Monday afternoon, WOLFANG DIGITAl presented to Trinity Towers its PT19 Residency Product Video. Among those present are its director, Datuk Neoh, the Financial Director and its Marketing Director.

We completed the project 2 days ahead of schedule which is just as well, giving time for the client to mass duplicate the DVD for export to Dubai in time for a property fair.

We were complimented, of all things for our copywriting. Since our client did not order a full script and a Voice Over Recording, we hadn't thought those few lines of text would stand out.

Photos are taken with my K800i for training and reference purposes.





Videography was first thing in the morning. I wanted to get that soft, fresh lighting only availble during daybreak. Since shooting lasted into the evening, we had to provide extensive colour correction to compensate for the inconsistent lighting. In various parts of the video, leaves had to be made more lush, interiors had to have that romantic yet sophisticated ambience. Without colour correction, the footage would look lifeless and appear too conventional.



We were thrilled to finally use our Glidecam for this project. It didn't quite yield the results I expected considering the time I took to rehearse but it was satisfactory. I now understood the Glidecam better and will learn to compensate for its weaknesses.

As I post this onto my blog, more than a thousand DVDs of the PT19 Residency Product Video are getting off the duplication press and will be shipped off to Dubai for a property expo. We completed this project well ahead of schedule to the delight and appreciation of our client!

Saturday 26 July 2008

TCIE Videography pt. 1

'The site was dusty, gritty, muddy, rocky and provided various obstacles that hindered shot composition. '

photos are taken with my K800i camera phone for archiving & training purposes.




What was meant to be a simple Videography session left us weary and exhausted by the end of the day. The Videography session for Tan Chong Industrial Equipment (TCIE) started mid morning but I was up at the crack of dawn to avoid the traffic congestion and to get some paperwork done before heading off to TCIE HQ in Gombak.

Our first scene was of an express bus ferrying tourists to an exotic locale. After an enjoyable breakfast with our client, we were told that the bus (huge by my standards) was meant to remain in the workshop for additional service so we headed off instead to a cement processing plant owned by YTL Group.




The site was dusty, gritty, muddy, rocky and provided various obstacles that hindered shot composition. As our subject was the cement mixers trundling in and out of the plant, we were exposed to the hot weather bordered by the colossal structure and cement mixers. The almost stark blue sky wasn't kind to offer enough clouds.




Back at TCIE HQ, we set up for the express bus scene. By this time, it was close to noon and the sun was relentless in searing us with its heat rays. While the Batu Caves (huge limestone caves) provided a photogenic setting, we had too much outdoor light and too little indoor (inside the bus) illumination to correctly expose the bus driver. No amount of redheads (800W lights) could compete with the sun and properly light the driver through the bus' tinted windscreen and compete so we opted to use our mobile video lights inside the bus.

Next in the agenda was a well deserved breather for all of us- lunch break!

To be continued...

Sunday 20 July 2008

Gearing up for PT19 Residency

Trinity Towers has awarded us the project to produce a Product Video for their 3 storey linked terrace priced at RM 2 million. Videography begins tomorrow morning. From what I hear, the place is going to be in tip-top condition, awaiting our arrival.

As predicted, they will be our first client to benefit from our newest service, our Glidecam Videography. For architectural Videography, it's fitting, considering the house will look great with sweeping views of the interior as our Glidecam gracefully moves in to capture each room and hall.

We intend to arrive early to take advantage of the sun's low angle. The soft shadows and the sun's initial weaker rays ought to make the house look romantic and appealing to high-end buyers.

It's going to be a long day- the client wants a night shot of the facade with the logo illuminated, at night. The following day, we're to head out to shoot various places of convenience- malls, airport, banks, etc. While all this is being carried out, back at the studio, Video Editing and Motion Graphics and Music Selection will have already started. Exciting. We'll be posting photos of our Videography session later.

Friday 18 July 2008

Reading Displeasure

I was at MPH in Subang Parade last week. I understand that MPH are a well maintained chain of bookstores. Their staff are helpful and the place is comfortable, especially for MPH card holders- we get a whole area reserved for relaxed reading.

I'm a fan of fiction and fantasy. When it comes to the latest R.A Salvatore fare, my favourite dark elf, Drizzt Do'urden, I'll always find them in the proper section- fantasy. Having a multi-disciplinary role, I tend to visit various sections to brush up on technology,techniques and my skills. Therefore it's very distressing to find a book like 'The Fundamentals of Electronics' in the Graphic Design section.

When I need to look for books on say, Motion Graphics or Video Editing techniques, I'll have to approach the Programming or Computer shelves. Think again: Today I found Motion Graphics + Film in the Graphics Design shelf. A book on Lighting? The Photography section. Videography? You must have guessed by now that it's in Photography.

Why do they make it so hard on us creative types? A more considerate bookstore, Times, takes the extra mile to offer convenience to their customers. On one of my recent visits, I helped myself to their online inventory which offered a map to the exact aisle where the book was located. Now, that's service!

Given an increasingly info cluttered world, we rely on the dissemination of information in the form books written by experienced and credible authors, but all that corroboration would go to waste if our bookstores aren't willing to expand the energy to properly categorise these books.

Monday 14 July 2008

Glidecam Videography

We're hard at work practicing with our new Glidecam. It helps us capture great looking video footage: dolly, arching and tracking shots but at a cost to our physical stamina. Our Sony video camera balanced very well on our Glidecam but at 2Kgs, it was already very heavy when attached to the Glidecam in addition to the counterweights.

At about 1Kg, our 3CCD Panasonic video camera with a wide-angle lens adapter and fold out LCD panel was perfect but still exacted a toll on us. I just don't want to imagine loading our XL1 onto the Glidecam... I tried it anyway and suffice to say, it's not a good experience.

I intend to use the Glidecam on our upcoming project for Tan Chong Industrial Equipment (TCIE)'s Corporate Video. This project promises to put us face to face with huge diesel powered commercial trucks. The TCIE Corporate Video will be the first video to feature Glidecam Videography from WolFang Digital.

Meanwhile, it's going to be more sessions at the gym and more practice in the studio with our Glidecam. It's a great piece of equipment for moving, stable shots. With the help of the Glidecam, our Videos will gets a more refined look, resembling a high-budget Hollywood production but it still takes lots of hard work to become a competent Glidecam Videographer.

PT19 Recce






'The house was incredibly photogenic... We marveled at the way sunlight washed over its walls...'

Photos are taken with my K800i camera phone as an reference for Videography purposes.

Last Saturday, we gave a presentation to Trinity Towers, a well established property development company. WOLFANG DIGITAL is commissioned to produce a Product Video for the RM 2 Million, 3 storey, modern-contemporary styled high-end terrace, PT19 Residency.

WOLFANG DIGITAL did a recce today at the show unit. The house was incredibly photogenic- its architecture was well thought out. We marveled at the way sunlight washed over its walls in the bamboo garden and the nicely decorated interior.

Trinity Towers may be our first client to engage our Glidecam Videography service, ahead of TCIE (Tan Chong Industrial Equipment) who are scheduled a week later. Exciting times. We'll keep you posted.

Saturday 5 July 2008

Glidecam Cometh

Today marks a historic day for WolFang Digital because we are able to offer a new service to all our precious clients!

This day marks the arrival of our brand new Glidecam, an equipment significant in Hollywood movie productions but rare in the Malaysian Video Production industry. Glidecam adds that distinctive elegance to your videos.

A Glidecam is a professional video camera stabilisation system. The Glidecam attaches to a video camera. The Glidecam gives a Videographer the freedom to walk, even run with his video camera without any jerky (shaky) video footage. In short, you will no longer see unsteady shots if the Glidecam is deployed.

Previously, a Video camera is attached on a tripod. While this set-up provides steady shots, it severely limits movement. The Glidecam lets our Videographers walk through a scene or an event, generating smooth flowing video footage.

Monday 30 June 2008

Sweating for a new skill

Sometimes I get asked the question prior to an event when all of us photographers and videographers are chilling out, "Why do you need to do stretching?"

When our clients visit our office, they see our mini-gym and the inevitable question, "Do you guys actually work out?"

I was at the gym again on Sunday for an hour. My recent workout doesn't include the push-ups, chin-ups and the leg-raises I do during the weekdays. It's sounds odd when I tell people that as videographers, we need to spend time at the gym. We have to keep ourselves in top physical condition. That also includes doing stamina intensive workouts, not just the muscle building stuff.

Taking up videography seriously involves more than having a good eye for scene composition and lighting. Holding on to a 6 Kgs video camera to get a steady shot for even a short period time takes considerable effort. Hence the time spent at the gym. Hence the stretching exercises before I take up the video camera.

I can shoot hand-held comfortably for long periods of time so I realised it's time I advanced my videography skills to the next level. I decided to attain a new skill and become a Glidecam operator.

I had the opportunity to try both the Varizoom Flowcam and the Glidecam. Both are heavy devices even before the camera is attached. Without constant gym sessions they would be very difficult to lift and impossible to wield for any length of time.


My gratitude to Glidecam Industries for its research that contributed to the development of the Glidecam 4000 Pro.

The Varizoom Flowcam looks and feels crude, almost unfinished. I found getting any useful footage from this device is a gamble at best. The Flowcam doesn't age well either, another design flaw inherent in this system.

The Glidecam is an ingenious camera stabilisation equipment that depends on a gimbal, weights and counterweights, letting the videographer walk, even run with the video camera while still getting smooth, steady shots. Glidecam's gimbal has a more free-flowing gimbal compared to the Flowcam. The Glidecam's robust and ergonomically designed body reduces operator fatigue and increases operation time.


The Varizoom Flowcam cannot compete with the superior stabilisation and ergonomic functionality of the Glidecam from Glidecam Industries.

We all know that track-based dollies take a long time to set-up and is rendered useless in narrow areas. The wheel-based dolly doesn't fare well either, depending on a smooth surface for it to glide along. Every turn of the dolly for arching shots produces a slight jerk visible in the video footage.

Until my Glidecam arrives and long after that, I'll still be at the gym regularly for my health, so I fill out my shirts and for my profession!

Army of Two

When my wife first joined us, she was just my girlfriend. Pureen's job responsibility included co-ordination and administration of all our production schedule. The area of Video Production in terms of quality control remained solely my responsibility. My staff and I handled all aspects of Video Editing.

I remember during a particular busy month, when we were juggling a number of projects. Pureen indicated she wanted to earnestly take up Video Editing. Her first project was "The Martell VSOP Interactive Dance Challenge". She was off to a rocky start and we spent many hours together, helping her understand the concepts and technicality of Video Editing. In a relatively short time, Pureen had overcame the hurdles related to Video Editing and completed the project almost entirely on her own.

From that moment on, she flew solo, personally editing or supervising every other project which included simple Wedding Videos to the exacting and challenging Event and Product Videos. She now has only the Corporate Video to master. I now have more time for Conceptualisation and Research & Development into new techniques and procurement of more advanced equipment.

I remain extremely grateful to Pureen for her enthusiasm and passion towards our profession. She's an invaluable resource to our company.

WolFang Digital's deliverables are enhanced, blessed by thorough quality control. Now we have two sharp minds thinking for our clients. During on-location Videography, Pureen is already a familiar fixture within our team. She's the liaison with our clients, freeing me to devote my time to direct our Videography team.

We talk about WolFang Digital constantly, about our dreams and aspirations for the company.

We haven't come to the best part yet. The best part of being an army of two is our ability to second guess each other- Pureen and I know what's best for the company. This reduces the time it takes to make a decision, making us more agile. That's not all. I trust Pureen and we both have faith in each other making similar efficient decisions that advances WolFang Digital.

Now I'm planning to teach Pureen Motion Graphics. She's not expressed an interest to take up Videography yet, but to everyone their own right to dream.

Yes, it's a beautiful feeling when your wife shares the same passion as you do, with the same level of fervour. There is no better team than when a man and a woman join forces to dominate one goal... an army of two!

Thursday 26 June 2008

Facelift for Public Bank's Corporate Video

When Public Bank achieved the rank of the Biggest Bank in terms of market capitalisation, we were happy for them. This event is even more significant to us since we are producing their Corporate Video from Script to Screen.

I remember Public Bank approaching us to undertake this project. We were apprehensive at first- their Corporate Video was colossal, a whooping 20 minutes in duration! During the quotation stage, we were shown the previous version of their Corporate Video. The verdict? To say it was below par is an understatement. For the 3rd largest bank in the country, their Corporate Video needed a lot of work!

We got the project and started work. With over 4 decades of history, the video footage collected over the years could fill a library! We worked on the Script, we worked on the Motion Graphics, we edited the volumes of video.

Our greatest challenge was giving it that crucial facelift. The previous video was indeed weak, its design was outdated by decades but Public Bank is a conservative bank. The change we intended to implement had to be subtle yet elegant, reflecting the bank's strength and foresight. So we toiled away trying to find that delicate balance. Our clients monitored us constantly, gently nudging us into their culture yet respecting our design decisions.

Each visit by our client to our studio prompted some amendment or other so much so that it was slowing our progress. On the eve of the presentation to the GM of the Public Affairs for the Group, the client decided to leave us alone to complete the remainder of our work. We were very nervous about the upcoming presentation. The GM is known to be distant and strict.

Today is a happy day for all of us at WolFang Digital because the few short weeks of working smart has finally paid off! Our client has approved the 1st version of our video with minor amendments! The comments from the GM was that our video has indeed achieved its mission in being contemporary and modern. He also said that it was 'Different and very good!"

I told our client, Nancy, when she called me to convey the good news that it was 'Music to our ears!' Now comes the alterations to the video before it can be presented to the Founder and Chairman! Told that he would be off Friday evening, we're looking to an early, really early start tomorrow so we can finish the video ASAP...

Wednesday 25 June 2008

Videographer's Journal: Run & gun with Justin Chan



Biography Videos. Another innovative product from WolFang Digital, is a delightful video that features YOU. One drawback about Biography videos is the limited time at our disposal to complete one. In our case, the interviews were quick because our client was had a tight schedule to work with. Videography sessions with luminaries like Justin Chan required that we not compromise on the quality of the video. This means less time for setting up and testing but the deliverable had to be top notch.

To counter this obvious disadvantage, we traveled with a small studio's worth of equipment and worked with a skeleton crew of 3.

The main challenge with this series of Biography Videos was the script- our objective was to let Justin speak freely, although within relaxed guidelines.

We had the privilege to visit rising star, Justin Chan in his home: a posh and contemporary two storied apartment in the centre of town. Appearing at ease and amicable, Justin made our job a breeze. He composed songs, played the guitar and even sang a few lines for us.

Justin told us that he has gotten a place of his own and would soon move out of his parent's home to accommodate his plans for a bigger audio production studio. Justin is apparently a family man with deep concerns for living up to his role as big brother to his siblings (Matthew and Jayde). While admiring his aspirations, we were taken aback by his congeniality. Most celebrities tend to be arrogant. Justin shares with us that having a humble attitude will take you to higher places.

I personally take this opportunity to congratulate Justin on his new company, BeanWorks Productions. I'm sure his future looks bright.

Wednesday 11 June 2008

Movie Review: Cloverfield



My Rating: 4/10

Don't insult the intelligence of your audience! Really,really crappy camera work would probably help to save production cost but it shouldn't be used as an excuse to fill in a story. Even the special affects can't save this bad excuse of a movie. Scenes aren't only badly lit, the colours aren't visibly corrected either.

As a professional videographer, we work very hard to avoid video camera shake. It's what we look out for when we view videos produced by our peers. Steady video camera work and good lighting separates the pros from the amateurs.

I am an avid PC and console gamer so I am quite used to the effects of fast paced gaming and too much happening on screen too fast is not a new concept to me. However, I was not prepared for the nauseating effects of this film. Even my wife suggested switching the DVD player off.

For the average Joe who likes a little 'home-video' feel, Cloverfield might excite them but professionals like us have seen this nonsense once too often. The amateur can probably relate to the unsteady hand-held motion so prevalent in this film, they probably can't tell a steady shot from a badly shot, badly lit film. We have a high standard to maintain, lots of research to do and watching a badly shot, badly lit film is not one of them.

If you are into home videos with either insufficient or overexposed lighting, this is the movie for you. If you're not then for the record, I was fooled by the trailer. Take heed.

Thursday 5 June 2008

Havana Club 'El Ron de Cuba'



"A dynamic and edgy montage supported by an upbeat soundtrack, a reflection of raw energy from the melting pot of various cultures, the romantic land of Cuba."

This video remains on of our most watched video on YouTube. I remember bringing back a CD worth of photographs to our Motion Graphics team. Considering that the video duration was to be 3 minutes, we really didn't have much to work with.

Our team had a look around and found a magazine sporting images of cocktails made with Havana Club. That was all we needed to create the concept for the video. Havana Club was made in sunny Republic of Cuba. Workers harvested sugar canes under the humid tropical sun. Cuba's colourful night life and its resilient people provide the inspiration for the Havana Club Product Video.

Our Motion Graphics team scanned and animated various photos to create a dynamic and edgy montage supported by an upbeat soundtrack, a reflection of raw energy from the melting pot of various cultures, the romantic land of Cuba.

Friday 30 May 2008

Movie Review: Perfume




My Rating: 8/10

A thrill ride of a cliffhanger from the begining coupled with a surprising climax. An unconventional ending makes this film an entertaining if grisly, experience.

The life of Jean Baptiste is a hard one, tempting us to overlook his crimes when his passion overtakes morality in his gruesome quest. A melancholic and edgy soundtrack plays throughout the film spiced up by ominous classical tones.

My compliments go to the writer for a refreshing concept to the age-old suspense thriller. Whoever thought distilling young women for their essence could produce perfume? More intriguing still is that the collection of all 9 types of essences could make a potion so powerful so as to contemplate the enslaving the human race?

It is interesting to note that whoever helps our antagonist suffers a fateful end, from his mother to his master.

Tuesday 20 May 2008

BMW X5 Launch Video


BMW X5: Launch Video

"It was satisfying to watch my video projected on large screens, even more so when the end of my video became the cue for two X5 to make their grand entrance."

Although this project was completed a few years ago, it still maintains that contemporary feel, similar to the famous X5 itself. The X5 Launch Video remains a milestone video to us because it won us the coveted 'Cyberjaya Digital Video' award.

We wanted to introduce dynamism into the video, complemented with technology inspired elements. The BMW logo is a shape begging us to play with so we went all out. We chose to draw the viewer into the video by taking our time to reveal the logo using motion graphics.

Armed with only a brochure and some online photos, we set out to make a great video. All motion graphics were created with Adobe After Effects and Final Cut Pro. I remember back then AE didn't have the plug-in 'Strokes' even the Trapcode '3D Strokes' wasn't invented. The glowing lines that revealed the logo were drawn in Illustrator and imported into AE. We animated the mask properties to get the desired effect. All photos in the video was taken from BMW's press site and animated in After Effects.

It was FCP's first debut and I was one of its first users in Malaysia. I used FCP version 1.0 to edit the X5 video and I have one regret, that I didn't colour correct any of the footage. I was using a G3 and any effect in FCP required some rendering. Time wasn't on my side as the launch was only a few days away.

I attended the launch of the X5 in Malaysia at BMW's Glenmarie showroom. It was satisfying to watch my video projected on large screens, even more so when the end of my video became the cue for two X5 to make their grand entrance.

My inspiration for this video came chiefly from the James Bond film, 'Tomorrow Never Dies' starring Pierce Brosnan. The motion graphics elements were created based on inspiration from Digital Vision's stock images. The waveform/oscillation graphics was animated frame for frame based on footage shot off an oscilloscope from another project.

The fruit of our labour was truly a sight to behold. It was a hectic 2 weeks but it was worth it.

Friday 16 May 2008

Movie Review: Atonement




My Rating: 8/10

This film is set during the early stages of World War 2. It's a must watch for those of us colonial types who want to see more of the english countryside and the gentlemen with their stuffy eccentric ways.

The summer frolic in the English countryside, around a huge english mansion rewards the heart and reminds one of the carefree days when we were children. The colours are fresh and soft, giving this part of the film a dreamy, romantic ambience.

James McAvoy redeems himself here after his performance in The Last King of Scotland. He fits perfectly into this role as the composed Robbie Turner. The film's antagonist, Briony develops a crush for Robbie. She watches a questionable scene from her bedroom window- an exchange between Robbie and her sister. She jumps to conclusions and her resulting actions haunt her till the very end of the movie as repercussions echo and effect their lives.

There is a brief jaunt into the beaches of Dunkirk. This legendary scene features an expanse of beach with soldiers milling about. Pay attention to the very long take at the beach as the camera sweeps across hundreds of extras.

Film editing is fluid and impeccable. The plot unfolds at its own pace- there's no rush in Atonement, but we are absorbed into each character's life, if simply to know their fate. Atonement is a well told love story and it's nice to watch Kiera Knightly without a scimitar for a change.

Thursday 8 May 2008

Movie Review: Rambo 4


My Rating: 5/10

Just when I thought they couldn't make it any worse, out pops another sequel to the infamous movie. Now we have to suffer through Rambo 4 just like when we were kids. Back then, it was innocence lost. Now that we're all grown up, we get a refresher course in the matter of violence is the solution to all problems.

It's loud, it's crude and it's loud. It's a good movie to test your home theater before awarding Rambo 4 its rightful place as a coaster. The producers made full use of existing technology to introduce a new level of violence and gore. What we missed in the news reels due to censorship, we get to experience in sharp detail in Rambo 4. This film has set a new standard in military movie violence. We get treated to a scene of machine guns mowing down people, if you're into that sort of thing.

There's no depth in the story, if the two dimensional script could pass as a story. The characters are forgettable. The firefights aren't spectacular. From my point of view, tactical planning and execution is bases on luck and brawn.

Hardly a movie for kids, but if it is, any toddler can understand the simple premise. If you're looking for witty dialog, visual effects or a spot of good acting, look elsewhere.

Sunday 27 April 2008

Movie Review: Bridge to Terabithia



My Rating: 9/10

At last, a movie that understands the magic of storytelling. This is a poignant film about friendship during the wonder years. It's misleading to expect fantasy storytelling to be the cornerstone of this film. Instead it highlights the evanescence of life. The two child actors deliver a heartwarming performance. The film is based on a premise we can all identify with when we were kids: School... its challenges and the diversions we create to blend in or fade out.

A movie about kids that's not for kids. Be warned, it's a tear-jerker. With compliments, a very well executed film that concerns itself with brilliant story and great directing. Don't expect too much of the visual effects, feature films like Narnia will run cirlces around it. Look out for the magical moments shared between two friends, immerse yourself in a child's world, a colourful world we've left behind a long time ago, a world we get to relive again in this movie.

Monday 21 April 2008

Working out, staying on top

Today's technology allows videographers to get away with murder, not literally, of course. The advancement in video camera technology simply allows us to do more without feeling the pain.

Unsteady hands? Don't worry. The video camera's got built-in Optical Image Stabilizer. Can't focus fast enough? Let it go, the video camera comes with Auto Focus. Insufficient lights? Chill out, just turn up the Gain. It's no wonder some of the videos produced today are starting to look bad. We are too reliant on technology.

There are some of us who simply don't care: By the time the videos are uploaded to YouTube, they'll look bad anyway. Videos produced nowadays are uploaded to the internet, its mainstream audience. Videos meant for the internet have never looked good, so why bother.

You need to bother because YouTube's and Quicktime's video compression technology is only going to get better and this may just leave you obsolete.

You need to bother because no matter how good a video camera, you cannot be too reliant on technology. A tripod, deployed to assist unsteady or tired hands tend to take up too much space during event video shoots.

I cannot stress this more: We as professional videographers need to work out and stay on top of our game. We need to strengthen our chest muscles, our backs, the abdominals and our hands, the biceps and especially. We need to improve our stamina because even a heartbeat can be felt and translated into jittery movement on a video footage.

I advise amateurs who are planning to venture into the business to train hard. Do lots of push-ups. This is an exercise that improves upper body strength.

Saturday 22 March 2008

Movie Review: Hitman


My Rating: 9/10

I was sceptical about this film. Movie tie-ins and licenses have a rare chance of success. Should I ruin my memories of an excellent game by watching a substandard film that aspires to be faithful to the game and even dared to be entertaining in the process?

After the disaster that was Rambo 4, I was getting hard to impress. It was with this cynical mood that I watched Hitman, hardly a week had passed since I allowed my eyes to be exposed to a distasteful movie like Rambo 4.

The Hitman DVD slid into the player...

Number 47 was raised an orphan by a secret organisation, he was taught unarmed combat, was subjected to strict disciplinary action.

What was that? 47 wasn't 'raised' by nobody. Agent 47 was genetically manufactured. Anybody who played the game knows that. Even the last installment, Hitman: Blood Money, gave us a flashback level into the lab where 46 was made. Scratch one for Hitman the movie.

47 sneaks into Interpol inspector Mike Whittier's home for a confrontation and the movie begins in earnest, through a series of flashback sequences. When he ends up in a hotel and Russia's FSB sets up an ambush, my memory is jogged back to the last level of Hitman: Blood Money- 47 is trapped in a hotel room in France as gendarmes swarm the building.

Number 47 makes use of pistols he stored in an icebox precluding the attack, he makes use of a bungee rope he lashed onto the balcony much earlier. I get my own set of flashbacks, to the time when I was playing the game.

47 cases a restaurant with Nika, on the pretense that he wants to take her out to dinner and I think to myself, 'Hey, that's what I would've done'. 47 makes his move to intercept arms dealer Price in the gents and I get more flashbacks. Avid gamers of Hitman know too well what takes place in the gents: Sooner or later, they all have to go.

Right about this time I was really starting to dig the movie. The scene in Udre Bellikov's mansion totally had me. As faithful as a movie can get to a game, this one has my vote. My wife even commented that Oliver Olyphant walked like Agent 47 (she single-handedly completed Hitman 2.

If you loved the wallpapers taken from the game, you'll love how the director tried to emulate them. When 47 had Nika meet with his CIA contact in a cafe, the beautiful portrait of 47 perched high up on a roof looking down on the proceedings through a WA-2000 sniper rifle is a poignant scene and truly nostalgic.

There are plenty of firefights if that's what you're looking for. Honestly, I wasn't really following the story. I was distracted by how parallel the movie and the game was and if they were somehow interconnected like the Matrix series. You'll be impressed by the knife-fight in the train station, by the method 47 used to get at an African terrorist leader, by the host of other agents after his behind, by his black suit and red tie... by the barcode on the back of his neck.

You won't be disappointed by this movie. It's blessed with of visual effects that doesn't stand out glaringly- they serve to make the film look good. Directing is incredibly fluid and professional. This from a director, Xavier Gens, who doesn't have much to his credit. Timothy Olyphant has played Agent 47 to the T. Film editing is beautiful giving 47 and the film in general a stylish and sophisticated feel. Fall in love with the haunting melancholic melody of the 'Ave Maria' soundtrack. Enjoy the hit!

Virtual Combat Journal: Conflict Global Storm




"Aside from the firearms, what works for the military works for us"

For the last week, the last hour that draws an end to our work day is awash with anticipation. As the sun prepared to dip into the horizon, our team (my dear wife included) gets ready for another LAN adventure with a new game, Conflict: Global Storm.

It's a fun and fresh departure from our previous game, SWAT 4. This time, there's no restraint to the amount of firepower we let loose, no shouting challenges at suspects and no caution taken for where our bullets land. No suspects to arrest, hardly any hostages to rescue, no weapons to report in as evidence. Being military is so fun, the rules of engagement becomes less restrictive.

In C:GS, all of us play a specific role that more often than not, overlap. My role as a sniper sometimes gets switched to CQB mode and out comes the silenced MAC-10. The others slid right into their role: Rifleman and Demolitions. My wife however, had to spend more than a few sessions of LAN sessions with me before finding the SAW soldier, Connors, her character of choice.

Playing C:GS with more relaxed parameters by no means make this a game for heroes. No one goes wandering off on their own, the sniper still has to provide accurate fire, the SAW gunner must lay down suppressive cover, the rifleman becomes an effective point man and the demolitions expert saves valuable time attaching C4 charges speedily.

It's always fire and maneuver, setting up overlapping fields of fire and looking out for each other because if one of us goes down, one of us has to be right there under a hail of enemy bullets to apply first aid. Wait too long and the soldier dies, we ALL fail the mission.

Achieving complete success in each mission requires coherent tactical gameplay. Working as a team is key, rather similar to real-world video production where teamwork and a complete understanding of each individual's role and his contribution to the team can make a significance difference in a project.

This game reflects the way WolFang Digital works, as a cohesive tactical unit where our areas of expertise and responsibilities overlap and benefit each other and the company in particular. Each one of us are trained in a selected field and cross trained to achieve a smooth workflow at any one time for any situation.

Using a cross training concept, our videographers become good video editors who create top-notch motion graphics. Aside from firearms, what works for the military and games like Conflict, works for us.

Saturday 8 March 2008

Martell Rise Above Dance Tour



Martell VSOP
Rise Above Dance Tour

Services Provided:
Videography, Video Editing, Motion Graphics, DVD Authoring, Launch Video

As interesting as it was challenging, this project took us all over the nation, to more than 50 entertainment outlets. Save Sunday, our team was out almost every night and back in the office the following morning to begin editing last night's videography.

The Martell VSOP Rise Above Dance Tour of 2006 comprised of 5 talented dancers from various dance styles including: Hip-hop, Jazz, Krumping, Capoeira, Street-funk, Freestyle, Salsa and Breakdance. This was an international dance team. The charismatic leader, Eric Devellerez, being a Burmese who grew up in Australia, bubbly Laura New, also an Australian, Andrew Sears is from the UK, hard training Manuela Oliveira from Spain and Capoeira exponent Paul Agyapong from Brazil.

Weaving around crowds of cheering onlookers with a video camera that weighs in at 5 Kgs is a physical feat in itself. Having to pull off elegant camera moves in a tight space becomes an ambitious undertaking. To confound the videography situation, most pubs, bars and clubs are dark. We had to have an assistant standing off-camera light up the scene with a mobile video light.

Each dance performance lasted up to 10 minutes. Audience participation was paramount to the client so the dance team always asked for volunteers to join them in a short dance sequence. We noticed audience in the outskirts were usually more spontaneous and less self-conscious than those in the big cities, go figure... In total, we spent about 20 minutes at a location, excluding the wait.

Oftentimes, we had to wait for a crowd build-up when we arrived at the first outlet for the night. Considering we had up to 3 outlets to visit every night, our team would only head home come stroke of midnight, sometimes later.

As usual, the WolFang Digital style is to place a fair amount of priority on audience reaction. We are satisfied with our extent of video coverage: audience cheering, excited, participating, laughing, etc.

All the video footage were transfered into our editing systems and compiled into a dynamic, attention grabbing 5 minutes video. We presented this video to our client who used this played this video during the launch of the Martell VSOP Rise Above Dance Competition. Gnarles Barkley's soundtrack, 'Crazy' drove the video to a frenzied pitch.

Our enthusiastic client, Pernod Ricard's Marketing Director, Terence Ong, personally expressed his compliments to us for producing such a rewarding experience through the video which truly brought out the essence of the event and launched the dance competition with a bang.

Finally, The dance team were each presented with a DVD of this video. They were overjoyed to have their adventures in Malaysia compiled into a disc. They loved the video we made for them, citing the stylish and elegant editing style accentuated with raw energy.

Friday 29 February 2008

Standard Chartered Bank




Standard Chartered Bank
The One Thing: "A Rewarding Career"

Services Provided:
Scriptwriting, Videography, Video Interviews, Video Editing, Motion Graphics, DVD Authoring

This was an interesting and rewarding project. We were given the challenge of producing a product video that would be viewed by new recruits of Standard Chartered Bank's IT operations arm, IT-365.

Being a regional call centre, IT-365 work tirelessly behind the scenes to uphold IT integrity of account holders, shareholders, businesses... the bank's customers. We don't see them, we only listen to them as they patiently help us over the phone, round the clock.

As expected of a call centre, the furniture is practical and spartan. There are rows upon rows of neatly formed cubibles under bright lighting in a clean, air-conditioned environment. A personal effect is limited to a toy atop a monitor there, photo frames here, a jacket draped over a chair... Photos of past corporate activities and inspirational posters dot the walls of each department.

Seven departments had to be featured in the video. This proved easier said than done as each department lacked factors that made it unique from the other. Our Videography team had to incorporate unique angles when shooting each department.

We also used dynamic camera moves to spice up the activity that the camera was recording. Known as 'tracking' and 'dolly' this technique added value to the video but it was a time consuming process.

Our proposed concept to use a host that would 'visit' each department and narrate the script won the client's approval and we were very fortunate that they had a Head of Department who was rather adept at reading from a cue card and moving amongst his colleagues. We had to direct Colin but he was a fast learner and the shoot progressed smoothly.

Extensive Motion Graphics was used to dramatise various parts of the video, especially the introduction. Have a look at our video and add your comments.