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RC-Heli Trailer producer Marcus Gelhard
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Marcus Gelhard
Marcus is the hottest RC-Heli Trailer producer in the market, you will probably know him for doing the IRCHA Jamboree 2011 ,Alpine Heli Smackdown 2011 and the latest GAUI X7 trailer.
Marcus was recently interviewed by our friends at Pitchbitch.eu. I think you will agree he makes some very nice work!!
This is the full interview of the great guy, he has to be the number one to introduce any new heli into the world through a video, it makes an interesting read, enjoy
Professionally produced RC-Heli trailers and promotional-videos were not long ago a rare gem and usually reserved for a few top-notch U.S. productions. This changed out of the sudden this mid year, when Mikado Helicopters approached the Berlin filmmaker and trailer-producer Marcus Gelhard of G-Point Productions to produce a professional looking trailer of this year’s 3D Heli masters.
Well, as you all know, the trailer set new standards for the future. It had a unique touch, especially how it pictured and told the event’s story.
Due to the scene’s positive response, Mikado invested into two more trailers: IRCHA Jamboree 2011 and Alpine Heli Smackdown 2011 followed. Both trailers were a huge success. People still click them a lot these days.
Meanwhile, Marcus earned a flawless reputation as a specialised RC-trailer producer who delivers timely and crisp after the event took place. He’s practically booked out for the next months. I asked Marcus between two Asia trips for an interview appointment. Read how Marcus met Mikado, what equipment he uses atm to produce his trailers and what the future holds for him.. and us!
Pitchbitch.EU: Hello Marcus! Thanks for making some time. You must be pretty busy as you’re just back from an Asian trip, and tomorrow you’re heading back on track to asia for another event shooting? Tell us a bit about your last job and where to you fly to, now?Marcus: Hi Alex, the pleasure is all mine! Thanks for the invitation. Last week I was in Tokyo for RedRC.net in order to document the Asian Touring Series. A very cool event even to these rc-touring guys are crazy! I had very little sleep. I’ve just completed the trailer. Now, I’m heading to Taipei for the TSH GAUI HQ, firstly to document-film the event “GAUI Day”, and secondly, to gather material for a short video of the new GAUI X7.Pitchbitch.EU:OK, that sounds promising! Before we delve deeper into the RC-video presentation topic, please tell us a little bit about your background as a filmmaker. You’re just 27 years young and from what I’ve researched, you’ve been trained as a professianal film and video editor. Could you translate that to us laymen?
Marcus Geldhard - Aerial Video Footage!
Marcus: Well (laughs). My evolution as a rc trailer-maker is certainly unconventional. It all started with a few friends who loved to skateboard as much as I did. We wanted to make some cool videos like the big boys in the US did do at that time. That’s why I started at the age of 17 years to document our moves with a small Hi8. After a short period of time I realized that I do like video editing a lot. I also started to fool around with sfx. Consequently, I started studying as a professional video and film editor. I learned the basics of cutting and a lot about video formats, digital cinema and DVD creation. Virtually from scratch.Pitchbitch.EU: When did you change your focus?Marcus: Some time after my skateboard intermezzo, I learned how to ride a trialbike, and I bought my first HD camera. From that day on, I was litteraly filming and cutting all day long. With every new video I tried to improve my technique. At that time most of the stuff that I did, was in my sparetime and still for free. I got no money for clips that I created. Almost 8 months later, I created my last personal hobby-video for free at K-124 Days 2011. When the people saw this video, I got tons of positive feedback, because the video had a professional look. At least that’s what the people said.Pitchbitch.EU: And at that point you did switch to profes-sional filmmaker? What motivated you to get into the pool of commercial filmmaking and start to swim?Marcus: Well, in fact the leap to independence happened a little bit earlier. That was in October 2010, even tho the K-Days trailer was still “for free”. The main reason was actually a friend in myt professional class, who had already made the jump before me, and he asked me several times, if I could take this or that job for him. I was at that time in a permanent position as an employee, so I had to reject his job offers, unfortunately.Pitchbitch.EU: But the seed was sown?
Marcus Gelhard - Ready for shooting!
Marcus: Exactly! I was attracted by the idea of having various jobs, and work not only for one “boss”. And the touring aspect still holds a certain fascination. The final decision came when my former boss offered me, to work for him, just in case I wouldn’t get enough jobs. That was a great offer. I’m still thankful for that offer. My monthly income was thus assured, and it made the decision for independence easier for me.Pitchbitch.EU: What kind of videos did you produce before Mikado gave you the task to document 3D Masters 2011 for them? Marcus: My first projects had absolutely nothing to do with RC. In fact it was my first assignment to create a collection of trailers for a hairdressing group. Then it was a self runner. Some making of’s and backstage documentaries for VW, smaller animation and camera jobs, and then there were already Mikado. A promotional film that I realized with a friend is also in the works. And more recently I have been booked for aerial photography. So far it looks as if 2012 will be a very exciting year for me. I am already booked for various jobs in 2012.
Pitchbitch.EU: How did you get in contact with Mikado?
Marcus: I owe the Mikado job to Uwe Granzow, certainly known to some of your readers. He has previously made the videos for Mikado, but in his spare time. That’s why it was not possible for him to deliver the Videos promptly after recording the material. Mikado asked Uwe if he did know a skilled producer. Uwe and I already knew each other for about the last 3 years. Uwe had watched my (Hobby) Trailers and stage productions on vimeo. Therefor he recommended me. I met Ralf, Inge and Uwe shortly before the masters, and we instantly liked each other. After Venlo the IRCHA job followed. And so on. Like I said, it was a self runner. At that time I had close to zero experiences with rc heli models. I only knew Uwe’s videos. Funnily enough, I had bought half a year before the Mikado job a quadrocopter to add an extra value to my productions.
Pitchbitch.EU: Let’s talk first a little bit more about the career. Can we say that the trailer has opened doors for you in the RC-promotion area? Does this year hold another production for you after your gig to Asia?
Marcus:I can really say that the Masters 3D trailer opened up the doors to the RC scene. After that I’ve got a request from the Rc Cars scene. After the IRCHA trailer even more requests and bookings followed. The rest of the year I’m actually engaged fully with cutting scenes and polishing some trailers.
Marcus Gelhard - Ready 4 Quad Flying!
Pitchbitch.EU: Do you personally fly anything besides Quads? In your cool trailer Airport Tempelhof we can see you in person flying a quadrocopter. What kind of model is that? Marcus: Actually, I’m flying only quads at the moment. I’ve bought a Blade mSR earlier this year to practice a bit in the living room, but basically I’m only flying Quads. The Quad that you can see in the video is a Xaircraft X650 Value 8. But actually, I have been informed by GAUI today, that they will sponsor parts of my flight equipment in the future. In the coming weeks, GAUI will release its new GU-INS Flight Controller. I will get an early version of it. Maybe I can tell you soon more about the GU-INS.
Pitchbitch.EU: Do you like flying more or are you also a “model builder” or tinkerer?
Marcus: I’m more the type who wants to have a device that works. I don’t like to turn around thousands of screws or soldering stuff. I see my models most of the time as a tool for aerial photographs.
Pitchbitch.EU: How long do you usually need to finish the post-production of a rc trailer, respectively, how long does cutting a trailer in the magnitude of the 3D Heli Masters, Alpine Smackdown, etc. take?
Marcus: Well, I need for these kind of event videos about 4 – 5 days in total for the cutting. On the first day I’m always busy with viewing and selecting the best material, and then it usually takes two to four days to finish and polish the whole thing, adding 3D titels, sfx etc.Pitchbitch.EU: Please tell our readers a bit more about your equipment. What cameras do you use?
Marcus: Mainly it’s still a Canon 60D, alternatively a 550D or a GoPro. Of course I’m using a lot of extra equipment like shoulder stand, steadycam and various other stuff. Lately, more and more often I use also a Sony NEX-5N.
Pitchbitch.EU: What cam do you use for aerial filming?
Marcus: First, I had a Sony HX9V, which is actually great, because it is very easy to handle and stable. The cam has the best image stabilizer which I’ve seen so far. But unfortunately there are no manual controls. So when you filmed in the sunshine, the Shutterspeed automatically adjusted easily up to 1 / 1000, which is why the smallest vibrations caused a wobble in the picture. Now, I have the Sony Nex-5N. This cam allows you to manually adjust the Shutterspeed.
Pitchbitch.EU: Have you ever crashed with your quad while a cam was onboard? That happened to me lately. Luckily it was “just” a GoPro and it survived. I can imagine that crashing with a Sony Nex-5N is much more unrelaxed. Is there special insurance for Aerial Photography and Filming?
Marcus Gelhard - Alpine Heli Smackdown
Marcus: I’ve crashed a lot with my very first quad, but only with the GoPro. The Sony Nex-5N had until now only one crash to survive (which it did). The crash happened when I was shooting a Frisbee player who unfortunately caught the quad with the Frisbee. If there are insurance companies that insure a quad with camera equipment, I do not know. I know that there are insurance companies, eg the DMO, that ensure you in case that you damage other stuff with your flight equipment. They have a package for commercial photo and film shoots.
Pitchbitch.EU: How do you plan your RC-shootings? Do you work with a real story-board, or do you just shoot, and then its just cutting the best scenes together?
Marcus: It is really difficult to make a plan for a rc event video, as you you do not always know what to expect locally. It also depends a lot on the weather. Most of the time I simply try capture the best moments, and then make a video of what excites people, and especially for those who couldn’t attend. My goal is to motivate people with the video to attend next time. In other productions, such as product videos or corporate videos there is of course some planning involved. But I always like to be challenged by unexpected circumstances. This often results into unexpected opportunities. I like to walk among the people and secretly capture the mood and action. Sometimes the video story changes also in post-production because I have found a certain type of music. The whole thing is pretty creative. That’s what I love about my job. It’s somehow art, for me at least. The people in the rc hobby make it easy to be creative because they are often creative themself.
Pitchbitch.EU: I’ve noticed that you focus in your trailers first on the pilots, and then secondly on the flight-action. Are there any special requests made by your clients, on what you shall put a focus in particular, eg specific pilots? Or do you always have relatively free hand? It is clear to me that for example would like to see Mikado Mikado primarily helicopters and pilots. How far are ultimately the targets?
Marcus: Yeah, there are guidelines. Most of the time my clients just say “make a cool video of the event”. And you can’t compare an event documentation with product promotion. When my clients want me to do an event video, I usually just have to capture the mood of the event. Mikado didn’t have any problems with the fact that there are also other companies shown in the Mikado videos. They simply wanted a cool event documentary. Sometimes there is a request that I should make sure that this or that pilot is shown in the video. When I’m filming a pilot portrait or a special product, we usually carry together our ideas in advance. In these cases my clients are much more specific about the stuff that they want to see in the trailer.
Pitchbitch.EU: Is there a pre-screening for your clients?
Marcus: Yes, I always do pre-screenings. Fortunately, I seldom had to change anything so far. Spelling mistakes occur from time to time That’s because I’m not fully familiar with all of the rc-specific technology (laughs). I just always need a certain feeling when I’m watching my own videos. If that feeling does not come across while I watch the video, I’m unhappy and I won’t pass on the video to the customer.
Pitchbitch.EU: Did you get any requests to portray certain pilots so far? Eg Derrick Threatt did do a very groovy trailer about Outrage’s Lucas Riva some time ago. The Mikado team holds some of world’s finest pilots that would certainly be suitable for a video portrait. Any plans?
Marcus: Yes, there will be soon a great Mikado video about Jamie Roberston! I’ve made that video for Mikado some time ago. It will be released probably this month.
Pitchbitch.EU:Wow! Is Jamie a little diva or a nice pal?
Marcus Gelhard - Quad
Marcus: I had a lot of fun to shoot with Jamie. It was no problem for him to repeat some scenes several times. He also had his own cool ideas. Jamie’s father Jim was usually there, and the two made my stay very pleasant! We often eat together, and I was able to go out shopping to buy some cheap new technology!
Pitchbitch.EU: Do you encounter any problems when you travel over sea. Do you rent your equipment abroad or are you working together with specific partners? Or do you take all your stuff with you?
Marcus: So far I’ve never rented equipment. I always carry the basics with me. Usually I need two big cases and a backpack. I even manage to find some space to put some clothes into my bags too.
Pitchbitch.EU: Any role model or movie hero that you’re trying to equal?
Marcus: Not really, I constantly try out new ideas. RC tailers offer a lot of opportunities. I have an urge to improve myself further. Particularly in the area of camera work I want to develop myself more, but that comes with time. So far I think I’m on the right track.
Pitchbitch.EU: What software packages do you use when you cut your videos?
Marcus:(Laughs). This is often asked! I make the cut with Adobe Premiere. For the motion graphics and effects I’m using most of the time After Effects. I usually do 3D Text in Cinema 4D. During editing, I think it’s not so important, what software you use. I probably could have made similiar videos with Magix Video Maker. But the Adobe products have the advantage that they mesh so well, which allows me to work fast. Pitchbitch.EU: So the classic video editing package. Do you use any special filters? Your trailers sometimes feature this typical American glam picture with some blur. At least it looks to me like that.
Marcus: Yes, but mostly color management is involved. The Magic Bullet Looks Plugin is one of my favorite post-production tools when it comes to colors. Besides that a simple vignette and slight changes in the colors already make a big difference. But one must surely have an eye for that. People often push it too much.
Pitchbitch.EU: Which output format do you prefer for rc trailers?
Marcus: I usually choose the H264 codec. Most of the time I deliver my trailers in 1280x720p at 8 to 10 Mbit/s. Kinda depends on the platform or the medium that my customer prefers.
Marcus Gelhard.. and Äääction!
Marcus Gelhard
Marcus is the hottest RC-Heli Trailer producer in the market, you will probably know him for doing the IRCHA Jamboree 2011 ,Alpine Heli Smackdown 2011 and the latest GAUI X7 trailer.
Marcus was recently interviewed by our friends at Pitchbitch.eu. I think you will agree he makes some very nice work!!
This is the full interview of the great guy, he has to be the number one to introduce any new heli into the world through a video, it makes an interesting read, enjoy
Professionally produced RC-Heli trailers and promotional-videos were not long ago a rare gem and usually reserved for a few top-notch U.S. productions. This changed out of the sudden this mid year, when Mikado Helicopters approached the Berlin filmmaker and trailer-producer Marcus Gelhard of G-Point Productions to produce a professional looking trailer of this year’s 3D Heli masters.Well, as you all know, the trailer set new standards for the future. It had a unique touch, especially how it pictured and told the event’s story.
Due to the scene’s positive response, Mikado invested into two more trailers: IRCHA Jamboree 2011 and Alpine Heli Smackdown 2011 followed. Both trailers were a huge success. People still click them a lot these days.
Meanwhile, Marcus earned a flawless reputation as a specialised RC-trailer producer who delivers timely and crisp after the event took place. He’s practically booked out for the next months. I asked Marcus between two Asia trips for an interview appointment. Read how Marcus met Mikado, what equipment he uses atm to produce his trailers and what the future holds for him.. and us!
Pitchbitch.EU: Hello Marcus! Thanks for making some time. You must be pretty busy as you’re just back from an Asian trip, and tomorrow you’re heading back on track to asia for another event shooting? Tell us a bit about your last job and where to you fly to, now?Marcus: Hi Alex, the pleasure is all mine! Thanks for the invitation. Last week I was in Tokyo for RedRC.net in order to document the Asian Touring Series. A very cool event even to these rc-touring guys are crazy! I had very little sleep. I’ve just completed the trailer. Now, I’m heading to Taipei for the TSH GAUI HQ, firstly to document-film the event “GAUI Day”, and secondly, to gather material for a short video of the new GAUI X7.Pitchbitch.EU:OK, that sounds promising! Before we delve deeper into the RC-video presentation topic, please tell us a little bit about your background as a filmmaker. You’re just 27 years young and from what I’ve researched, you’ve been trained as a professianal film and video editor. Could you translate that to us laymen?
Marcus Geldhard - Aerial Video Footage!Marcus: Well (laughs). My evolution as a rc trailer-maker is certainly unconventional. It all started with a few friends who loved to skateboard as much as I did. We wanted to make some cool videos like the big boys in the US did do at that time. That’s why I started at the age of 17 years to document our moves with a small Hi8. After a short period of time I realized that I do like video editing a lot. I also started to fool around with sfx. Consequently, I started studying as a professional video and film editor. I learned the basics of cutting and a lot about video formats, digital cinema and DVD creation. Virtually from scratch.Pitchbitch.EU: When did you change your focus?Marcus: Some time after my skateboard intermezzo, I learned how to ride a trialbike, and I bought my first HD camera. From that day on, I was litteraly filming and cutting all day long. With every new video I tried to improve my technique. At that time most of the stuff that I did, was in my sparetime and still for free. I got no money for clips that I created. Almost 8 months later, I created my last personal hobby-video for free at K-124 Days 2011. When the people saw this video, I got tons of positive feedback, because the video had a professional look. At least that’s what the people said.Pitchbitch.EU: And at that point you did switch to profes-sional filmmaker? What motivated you to get into the pool of commercial filmmaking and start to swim?Marcus: Well, in fact the leap to independence happened a little bit earlier. That was in October 2010, even tho the K-Days trailer was still “for free”. The main reason was actually a friend in myt professional class, who had already made the jump before me, and he asked me several times, if I could take this or that job for him. I was at that time in a permanent position as an employee, so I had to reject his job offers, unfortunately.Pitchbitch.EU: But the seed was sown?
Marcus Gelhard - Ready for shooting!Marcus: Exactly! I was attracted by the idea of having various jobs, and work not only for one “boss”. And the touring aspect still holds a certain fascination. The final decision came when my former boss offered me, to work for him, just in case I wouldn’t get enough jobs. That was a great offer. I’m still thankful for that offer. My monthly income was thus assured, and it made the decision for independence easier for me.Pitchbitch.EU: What kind of videos did you produce before Mikado gave you the task to document 3D Masters 2011 for them? Marcus: My first projects had absolutely nothing to do with RC. In fact it was my first assignment to create a collection of trailers for a hairdressing group. Then it was a self runner. Some making of’s and backstage documentaries for VW, smaller animation and camera jobs, and then there were already Mikado. A promotional film that I realized with a friend is also in the works. And more recently I have been booked for aerial photography. So far it looks as if 2012 will be a very exciting year for me. I am already booked for various jobs in 2012.
Pitchbitch.EU: How did you get in contact with Mikado?
Marcus: I owe the Mikado job to Uwe Granzow, certainly known to some of your readers. He has previously made the videos for Mikado, but in his spare time. That’s why it was not possible for him to deliver the Videos promptly after recording the material. Mikado asked Uwe if he did know a skilled producer. Uwe and I already knew each other for about the last 3 years. Uwe had watched my (Hobby) Trailers and stage productions on vimeo. Therefor he recommended me. I met Ralf, Inge and Uwe shortly before the masters, and we instantly liked each other. After Venlo the IRCHA job followed. And so on. Like I said, it was a self runner. At that time I had close to zero experiences with rc heli models. I only knew Uwe’s videos. Funnily enough, I had bought half a year before the Mikado job a quadrocopter to add an extra value to my productions.
Pitchbitch.EU: Let’s talk first a little bit more about the career. Can we say that the trailer has opened doors for you in the RC-promotion area? Does this year hold another production for you after your gig to Asia?
Marcus:I can really say that the Masters 3D trailer opened up the doors to the RC scene. After that I’ve got a request from the Rc Cars scene. After the IRCHA trailer even more requests and bookings followed. The rest of the year I’m actually engaged fully with cutting scenes and polishing some trailers.
Marcus Gelhard - Ready 4 Quad Flying!Pitchbitch.EU: Do you personally fly anything besides Quads? In your cool trailer Airport Tempelhof we can see you in person flying a quadrocopter. What kind of model is that? Marcus: Actually, I’m flying only quads at the moment. I’ve bought a Blade mSR earlier this year to practice a bit in the living room, but basically I’m only flying Quads. The Quad that you can see in the video is a Xaircraft X650 Value 8. But actually, I have been informed by GAUI today, that they will sponsor parts of my flight equipment in the future. In the coming weeks, GAUI will release its new GU-INS Flight Controller. I will get an early version of it. Maybe I can tell you soon more about the GU-INS.
Pitchbitch.EU: Do you like flying more or are you also a “model builder” or tinkerer?
Marcus: I’m more the type who wants to have a device that works. I don’t like to turn around thousands of screws or soldering stuff. I see my models most of the time as a tool for aerial photographs.
Pitchbitch.EU: How long do you usually need to finish the post-production of a rc trailer, respectively, how long does cutting a trailer in the magnitude of the 3D Heli Masters, Alpine Smackdown, etc. take?
Marcus: Well, I need for these kind of event videos about 4 – 5 days in total for the cutting. On the first day I’m always busy with viewing and selecting the best material, and then it usually takes two to four days to finish and polish the whole thing, adding 3D titels, sfx etc.Pitchbitch.EU: Please tell our readers a bit more about your equipment. What cameras do you use?
Marcus: Mainly it’s still a Canon 60D, alternatively a 550D or a GoPro. Of course I’m using a lot of extra equipment like shoulder stand, steadycam and various other stuff. Lately, more and more often I use also a Sony NEX-5N.
Pitchbitch.EU: What cam do you use for aerial filming?
Marcus: First, I had a Sony HX9V, which is actually great, because it is very easy to handle and stable. The cam has the best image stabilizer which I’ve seen so far. But unfortunately there are no manual controls. So when you filmed in the sunshine, the Shutterspeed automatically adjusted easily up to 1 / 1000, which is why the smallest vibrations caused a wobble in the picture. Now, I have the Sony Nex-5N. This cam allows you to manually adjust the Shutterspeed.
Pitchbitch.EU: Have you ever crashed with your quad while a cam was onboard? That happened to me lately. Luckily it was “just” a GoPro and it survived. I can imagine that crashing with a Sony Nex-5N is much more unrelaxed. Is there special insurance for Aerial Photography and Filming?
Marcus Gelhard - Alpine Heli SmackdownMarcus: I’ve crashed a lot with my very first quad, but only with the GoPro. The Sony Nex-5N had until now only one crash to survive (which it did). The crash happened when I was shooting a Frisbee player who unfortunately caught the quad with the Frisbee. If there are insurance companies that insure a quad with camera equipment, I do not know. I know that there are insurance companies, eg the DMO, that ensure you in case that you damage other stuff with your flight equipment. They have a package for commercial photo and film shoots.
Pitchbitch.EU: How do you plan your RC-shootings? Do you work with a real story-board, or do you just shoot, and then its just cutting the best scenes together?
Marcus: It is really difficult to make a plan for a rc event video, as you you do not always know what to expect locally. It also depends a lot on the weather. Most of the time I simply try capture the best moments, and then make a video of what excites people, and especially for those who couldn’t attend. My goal is to motivate people with the video to attend next time. In other productions, such as product videos or corporate videos there is of course some planning involved. But I always like to be challenged by unexpected circumstances. This often results into unexpected opportunities. I like to walk among the people and secretly capture the mood and action. Sometimes the video story changes also in post-production because I have found a certain type of music. The whole thing is pretty creative. That’s what I love about my job. It’s somehow art, for me at least. The people in the rc hobby make it easy to be creative because they are often creative themself.
Pitchbitch.EU: I’ve noticed that you focus in your trailers first on the pilots, and then secondly on the flight-action. Are there any special requests made by your clients, on what you shall put a focus in particular, eg specific pilots? Or do you always have relatively free hand? It is clear to me that for example would like to see Mikado Mikado primarily helicopters and pilots. How far are ultimately the targets?
Marcus: Yeah, there are guidelines. Most of the time my clients just say “make a cool video of the event”. And you can’t compare an event documentation with product promotion. When my clients want me to do an event video, I usually just have to capture the mood of the event. Mikado didn’t have any problems with the fact that there are also other companies shown in the Mikado videos. They simply wanted a cool event documentary. Sometimes there is a request that I should make sure that this or that pilot is shown in the video. When I’m filming a pilot portrait or a special product, we usually carry together our ideas in advance. In these cases my clients are much more specific about the stuff that they want to see in the trailer.
Pitchbitch.EU: Is there a pre-screening for your clients?
Marcus: Yes, I always do pre-screenings. Fortunately, I seldom had to change anything so far. Spelling mistakes occur from time to time That’s because I’m not fully familiar with all of the rc-specific technology (laughs). I just always need a certain feeling when I’m watching my own videos. If that feeling does not come across while I watch the video, I’m unhappy and I won’t pass on the video to the customer.
Pitchbitch.EU: Did you get any requests to portray certain pilots so far? Eg Derrick Threatt did do a very groovy trailer about Outrage’s Lucas Riva some time ago. The Mikado team holds some of world’s finest pilots that would certainly be suitable for a video portrait. Any plans?
Marcus: Yes, there will be soon a great Mikado video about Jamie Roberston! I’ve made that video for Mikado some time ago. It will be released probably this month.
Pitchbitch.EU:Wow! Is Jamie a little diva or a nice pal?
Marcus Gelhard - QuadMarcus: I had a lot of fun to shoot with Jamie. It was no problem for him to repeat some scenes several times. He also had his own cool ideas. Jamie’s father Jim was usually there, and the two made my stay very pleasant! We often eat together, and I was able to go out shopping to buy some cheap new technology!
Pitchbitch.EU: Do you encounter any problems when you travel over sea. Do you rent your equipment abroad or are you working together with specific partners? Or do you take all your stuff with you?
Marcus: So far I’ve never rented equipment. I always carry the basics with me. Usually I need two big cases and a backpack. I even manage to find some space to put some clothes into my bags too.
Pitchbitch.EU: Any role model or movie hero that you’re trying to equal?
Marcus: Not really, I constantly try out new ideas. RC tailers offer a lot of opportunities. I have an urge to improve myself further. Particularly in the area of camera work I want to develop myself more, but that comes with time. So far I think I’m on the right track.
Pitchbitch.EU: What software packages do you use when you cut your videos?
Marcus:(Laughs). This is often asked! I make the cut with Adobe Premiere. For the motion graphics and effects I’m using most of the time After Effects. I usually do 3D Text in Cinema 4D. During editing, I think it’s not so important, what software you use. I probably could have made similiar videos with Magix Video Maker. But the Adobe products have the advantage that they mesh so well, which allows me to work fast. Pitchbitch.EU: So the classic video editing package. Do you use any special filters? Your trailers sometimes feature this typical American glam picture with some blur. At least it looks to me like that.
Marcus: Yes, but mostly color management is involved. The Magic Bullet Looks Plugin is one of my favorite post-production tools when it comes to colors. Besides that a simple vignette and slight changes in the colors already make a big difference. But one must surely have an eye for that. People often push it too much.
Pitchbitch.EU: Which output format do you prefer for rc trailers?
Marcus: I usually choose the H264 codec. Most of the time I deliver my trailers in 1280x720p at 8 to 10 Mbit/s. Kinda depends on the platform or the medium that my customer prefers.
Marcus Gelhard.. and Äääction!
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