Back on February 1st, Sky Blue Productions (my production company) filmed set of Recruitment videos for one of the leading construction companies in Canada, Kenaidan Constructions. I still remember that day to be the first of the many major snow storms that hit us during this past winter. The crew call was at 8 and myself and Michael (second cameraman) drove through 2 hours of driving that was originally not more than 13 minutes.

We got there on time and started filming at 9 a.m. We were to film 9 set of interviews with b-roll footage. Originally scheduled to be an 8 hour shoot, it turned out to be 5.5 hour shoot and the result was satisfying. I was the primary cameraman as well as director and editor on these videos.

Although we filmed 9 different videos, Kenaidan Constructions which just went live with a new website have only put up two so far. Check them out here.

It is long weekend here in Canada with July 1st being Canada Day.   I was busy Friday doing some editing, attending an Annual Relgious convention and some filming.  And then on Saturday it was a long day at a wedding that was held at Markham and Bloomington.  Nevertheless, it was fun and entertaining to experience a Chinese wedding.

Today was Day 3 of the Annual Convention which Mississauga News and many other news outlets covered and I was there for most of the day.  

Last month, I drove to Ottawa for a Recruitment Video to be filmed at Shred It & SecurIt. The crew call was at 5 a.m. and we didn’t start filming until 7 a.m. It was my first project with my newly purchased camera Canon XH A1. And boy fun I had using it. The result was a good quality image that other camera’s can’t produce. Well that’s not true. I meant at least the ones I have used they couldn’t produce something like this.

We filmed up until 2 p.m. as we spoke to different people in the organization about their working experience at Shred it and SecurIt. Below is few minutes of edited version.

Now that Mac Book has been sold, I am selling my Brevis35 that I recently purchased.  There is nothing wrong with this kit at all. It’s just that my priorities in equipment have changed and would like to get some cash to buy other stuff.  Below are specs and pictures.

Brevis35 w/ Nikon Mount
micro collimation kit
Spare housing (from micro collimation upgrade)
CF1 screen
CF1Le screen
43mm step down ring
Brevis to rails mount
non-cinevate 1″ spacer (72mm)
charger
case

950$ plus shipping and paypal fee  (local pick up available).  You can see more pictures over here.

Thanks to everyone who e-mailed me about purchasing the Mac Book 13′ inch I had listed.  It has been sold.

It’s very difficult to believe but there are lots of reports and speculations going around that Rogers will be offering a $30 unlimited data plan when it introduces IPhone in Canada on July 11th.  

To be honest, I have been with Rogers for good 7 years and like their network but their monopoly and rates is something I can’t stand.  And because of that it’s hard to believe but if it’s true I am all for it.

We should find out soon

Well, sort of behind my blog updates but going to catch up today as to what I have been up to.
Last week, I got to Quebec City on Sunday June 15th at 6 pm after 10 hours of drive. I wanted to check out the city because that evening was really what I had for sight seeing.

Next day was the shoot and we started on time but we had to wait for one person to fly from Chicago who’s flight got delayed.

Long story short, ended up staying in Quebec City extra night. I left 3 a.m on Tuesday June 17th and got back into Toronto at 12 pm. Due to late finish, I had to reschedule and push my appointments. Anyways, here are pictures that I took of the drive, hotel, few streets, production and drive back.

And yes, I did little something for the environment. I rented Toyota Camry Hybrid. Sweet car. Click on thumb for more pics.

Although, cameras and editing suites are butter and bread for every filmmaker or editor out there, I do think without interacting with other people in the industry, your creative juices don’t flow and you don’t learn anything else other than what you have learned based on trial and error.

There are dozens of message boards but I am an active member of 3 of them and I will urge everyone reading this who is in this industry to check them out

DVXUser.com
2-Pop Forums
DVInfo.net

If you try to look for me, just look for my name Jawad or full name Jawad Mir

For filmmakers, November until March is a slow period which is when we try to update our demo reels (if time permits) and brush up on our skills.

I updated my demo reel back in December and have added few new items to it and will be adding more in the next week or two. For now, check it out below

It has been over a year since Apple announced release of IPhone and boy have I drooled to get it. I almost bought an unlock one for $600 here in Canada which held 16 gig of content. But today at Keynote, Steve Jobs announced that 8 gig phone will be for $199.00 and 16 gig for $299.00 and those prices will be standard across the world. Yippeeee!!!

IPhones comes to Rogers and Fido stores on July 11th.