A late Christmas present?

Just released Cinemizer headset, which is designed for use with video iPods, as well as other devices with a standard AV output. It marks a push into the consumer entertainment for the company, more famed for its camera lenses, industrial and medical applications of its expertise.

The headset - worn like a pair of glasses - includes a screen for each eye, and uses the company's expertise in optical technology to show video as though it was on a 45" display at just a touch under two metres away. Each display can be individually adjusted between -3.5 and +3.5 diopter to cater for eyesight issues like near and farsightedness.

The device will go on sale in Germany in February, with a US and UK launch planned for the second quarter. The suggested price in Germany will be €369, and five colours will be available. (Source MacUser website)

Awesome. I want one!

Visiting speaker

We have Rob Bayly coming to talk to us on Friday 25th. Rob is a Director working for BBC Bristol Docs. & Contemporary Factual TV. His series of largely self-shot format documentaries following British families testing emigration to Australia/ New Zealand is currently on BBC1. To prepare yourselves for meeting Rob you can watch his work on the (now mac friendly) BBC iPlayer.

The King Family

Revell Family

As you watch the Programmes ask yourself:

1. How any particular sequence/ situation happened on Camera?
2. How much was set-up by Production?
3. How much was spontaneous or Documentary?"

Rob was Series Director on these (20 x 45 mins). He is a very experienced self shooting director producer and this a really great opportunity to understand this important and increasingly common role in TV. At the BBC Rob has been involved in training junior self-shooting directors. He is a regular mentor/instructor at BBC Elstree Staff Training. So make the most of his visit.

Blogs in Plain English

Here's "blogs in plain english'. It explains the how and why of blogs rather well. Could you do better?

Editing masterclass

Hi Guys,

I hope that you had a great Christmas. Have you subscribed to the BBC Film Programme podcasts yet? Check out this one - an interview with Martin Scorsese's editor of choice Thelma Schoonmaker. She talks interestingly about how she and Scorsese work. She mentions plenty of classic movies. There's plenty to enjoy here. Then check out the movies! You'll be editing too next semester! Happy New Year. See you next week.

regards, Mike J