It’s POC time!

There’s a project I’ve been wanting to do for over a year now. But in order to do it right I really needed another HD camera. I suppose I could have used one of my SD cameras but if I was going to do it right, I should go ahead and invest in another HD camera.

So after a lot of research and talking to people I finally bit the bullet and ordered another camera.

The thing about this camera is that it’s tiny. Tiny enough that no one would pay me much if any attention. It seems now days, that’s becoming more and more important.
The other reason I wanted a small camera is if I have to bring two complete camera systems into the field, I need something that’s not going to weigh a ton and be able to fit in the bags I currently own along with my other HD camera.

This one fits the bill on both of those.

The scary thing is that this little dynamo is capable of create better footage than my big camera. The downside is that it lacks a lot of the tools my other camera has to allow me to take some fantastic footage.

So it’s another learning curve to figure out what works and what doesn’t. Tweak a setting here, adjust a little there.

But I think it’s all going to be worth it. I feel I have the right tool to start on my project which I think is going to allow me to pursue a life of filmmaking.

Just a few more tweaks and I think I’m good to go.

All the images on this page are grabs from the new camera. Below is some footage I shot today at one of my favorite local haunts, Indian Creek Nature Center. Another Proof of Concept video to see if the camera could in fact do what I needed it to do.

So what’s this big project that required a second camera? All I can say is stay tuned, I’m working on it!

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Film Festival Selections

I’m proud to announce that two of my films have been chosen as official selections of the 2010 Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival April 9-10, 2010. Collins Road Theatres
Marion, Iowa 52402 319-377-4555

“Silent Kingdom” is a 3:10 long PSA style film calling people to action to save our environment.

What people are saying about “Silent Kingdom”:

I got to say this is a another triumph of imagery for you Kevin. I always love to see what you come up with ! In every one of the these challenges, there are those that give the rest of us new goals to work toward, and you are always on that list. Thank you for that.
Chris J. Barcellos

Kevin, Kevin, Kevin…..Have you ever shot an image that was not just flat out beautiful??
You are the king of gorgeous….seriously….
Nicely done, nice message…the text was perfect!
Bob Thieda

Wonderful imagery as always. The words short and to the point. Having watched several short environmental films on a big screen last night, I can say this beats the pants off all of them.
Annie Haycock

“The Prairie” is a 3:00 long film about the cycle of life in an Iowa tallgrass prairie.

What people are saying about “The Prairie”:

Another beautifully shot film. The editing was spot on and had a good pace to it. The insect shots were great, especially the one of the spider and droplets of water. You clearly made use of the good light.
Mihali Moore

Probably your most stunning camera work yet, Kevin…
Meryem Ersoz

It is an enjoyment to observe your film. You have a good taste for joining pictures, music and words, -a feeling of art.
Finn-Erik Faale

You really captured the magic here.
Mike Sims

Cedar Rapids Independent Filmmakers began with the first Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival in 2001. The Festival was created to provide a venue for Iowa filmmakers to screen their work for peers and general audiences. For every filmmaker whose work is admired by audiences in megaplexes across the world, thousands more lack the means to show films to the masses. The greatest reward for an independent filmmaker is to have their work shown to an captive audience. One festival entrant commented what a wonderful feeling it was to observe an audience reacting to his film and laughing when they were supposed to laugh!

The Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival was created to provide a venue for Iowa filmmakers to show their work and for the general public to view the best of the state’s filmmaking industry.

CRIFM also publishes the Iowa Film News Update, a newsletter featuring screenings, casting calls, festivals and other news of interest to Iowa film enthusiasts.

The organization’s primary goals are to encourage Iowa independent filmmakers to continue improving their craft, to provide a place to specifically showcase Iowa-connected films, present a unique cultural event to the community, and to offer networking opportunities for the purpose of building the Iowa Filmmaking Industry.

Check out the 2010 film schedule here for times.

My First Film Challenge of 2010

Another film challenge has begun. The theme for this one is “A day in the life.”

The biggest trouble I have with these challenges is once an idea pops into my head it’s pretty much impossible for my brain to think of any other ideas.
That’s great if the initial idea is an awesome one. But if it’s something that’s complex or that I’m not going to be able to pull off for whatever reason then it really stifles my creativity.

So the idea I have for this challenge may be a little tough. I explained it to my wife and she sat there with this expression which I know means she’s not getting it. She understood the idea but she can’t see in her mind how all of that is going to come together into something that flows smoothly. So then of course I begin to wonder if there’s any way that I CAN get it all together and flow smoothly.

I’m going to try to get out in the morning and see if I can get some footage and figure out how this is all going to come together in just a few short weeks.

Keep an eye on this blog for updates.

Silent Kingdom

Another film for the Underwater Over Land Film Challenge.

The theme for this challenge was “Animal Kingdom.”
Unfortunately this film had to be put together in just a few hours.
Family matters kept me home for most of the time period we had to complete the film. So, on the last day I headed out and spent most of the day driving around trying to find anything to film.
I knew I didn’t have enough wildlife footage to even come close to doing a film that really addressed the theme. So, I came up with the idea of doing a film about there not being any wildlife in the “Animal Kingdom in the tenth hour.

With the film due that night, I sat down about 9:00PM and started trying to put something together. My plan was to do a voice over but as the night wore on, that grew to be less likely.

The clock struck 2AM and I was still trying to put something together to beat the deadline.

Finally I just started laying down track, hoping that it would all make some kind of sense.

Although not the film I was hoping to do, I made the deadline and hopefully it has a bit of a message.

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A New Challenge Begins

The latest underwater over land film challenge has begun.

This time around, the theme is “Animal Kingdom.” Why couldn’t I have had this theme when I was in Africa?

This is a tough time for wildlife filming in Iowa. Archery deer season is currently going on. They even allow hunting inside city limits as well as many parks. So, I’m guessing I’m going to have to find a blaze orange vest to wear as every year several people get shot by being mistaken for a deer.

Most of the birds that migrate have passed trough. The rivers haven’t frozen to concentrate the eagles near open water.

Right now I’m thinking about concentrating on the “Kingdom” portion of the theme and not so much the “Animal” part.

If you have any suggestions for ideas on this theme, send them my way!

“The Prairie” First Runner-Up UWOL Challenge

The results are in and my film for the international Underwater Over Land film festival took home 1st runner up.

Although the judge thought that the story line could have been improved upon, he had nothing but kind words to say about the imagery:
Kevin Railsback – The Prairie – 1st Runner Up!
The photography was impeccable – great “magic hour” light; the amazing color saturation reminded me of my days 20 years ago when I was working for renowned outdoor photographer Galen Rowell, when I’d shoot stills with Fuji Velvia slide film – gorgeous.

Having my work compared to the work of world renowned still photographer Galen Rowell is certainly an honor. Many years ago when I was shooting stills myself. Galen was an inspiration of mine and probably did help develop my signature style of deeply saturated colors that want to pop off the screen.

Tragically Galen and his wife died in a plane crash on August 11,2002. The above comments by judge Bruce Borowsky were on August 11th, the 7th anniversary of Galen’s death.

As I’ve said many times before, winning is always a great thing, but judging is subjective. Another judge may have not even considered my film for consideration while another may have thought it best of entry.

I think the important thing is to be true to yourself and always strive to do the best that YOU can do. Filmmaking is my passion. For me finishing a film puts me in the winners circle every time.

Check out my entry in the film challenge and let me know what you think.

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New Film Challenge Begins

This morning the theme for the Underwater Over Land Film challenge #14 was released.

The theme this round is RHYTHMS AND CYCLES

There certainly are a lot of possibilities with this one. While still not having a concrete idea for me film, I went out filming just to get an idea of how things are looking in some of my favorite haunts. I certainly didn’t come home empty handed. Shot some great footage that will most certainly end up in the final film.

Stay tuned and follow along as I put together the film for UWOL challenge #14.

More information can be found on the UWOL Challenge by going to http://www.uwolchallenge.com

“The River” Wins 2009 Gold Eddy

I was thrilled to learn that my short film “The River” took first place in its category at the 2009 Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival!

CRIFF for short is one of the few in only festival I enter my films. Why? Because even if your film isn’t named an official selection, you can still schedule a meeting with the judges to critique your film. I’m not sure there are any festivals that will give the winners feedback let alone films that weren’t selected to screen at the festival.

I’ve won two gold Eddy’s and one silver Eddy at this festival and the judges feedback has helped tremendously. Because they are unbiased, you get to hear their true thoughts about your film both good and bad. I make a lot of mental notes in these critique sessions and try to incorporate their feedback into future films.

The bar has been set high for next years festival!

Follow My Travels

My travels have taken me all over the world. Oftentimes, I travel alone. It’s always a hard time for those I leave behind as I’m often out of communication range for periods of time.

I’ve also thought it would be fun if people could travel along with me even if it’s virtually.

So, this weeks I picked up a Spot Satellite Tracker. When activated, you’ll be able to follow me in my journeys in realtime via waypoints on Google Maps. The Spot also can notify friends and family if I’m having some trouble. Even better it has a “911″ feature where if I’m in serious trouble, I can call in the calvary.

Keep an eye on the blog for the link whenever I’m out in the field and follow along in realtime.

Filmmaking Naturally

Coming soon is a new and exciting venture from award winning cinematographer Kevin J Railsback and Silver Phoenix LLC.
We’re in the home stretch of dusting off the shelves and tidying up the site. Hopefully we’ll open things up in the next few weeks.

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