I'm going to the DV expo show Wednesday to look at some new gear. I have my eye on a few things and maybe I can sneak some stuff out the back door.

While on the subject, Video Copilot is thinking about putting on a booth at NAB next year. What do you guys think about that? Anyone here planning on going?

Here is an example of using practical effects with post production to achieve realistic lighting.

In the second slide you can see the before image of Shannah opening the book and you'll notice the on-set light that seems to emit from the book. In the bottom image you'll notice the light is off at this point. Then by using a piece of cardboard, we covered up the secondary light and slowing uncovered it as the book opened for a more realistic effect.

To be more specific, a piece of reflective cloth was laid on the talent's lap and the light from above was reflected off it.

You'll also notice her hair is slightly displaced from a perfectly timed industrial fan. How perfectly timed? Think about this; light travels faster than air so we had start the fan before the book was even opened so that it would all happen at the right time, then as the book opened the light was revealed with a touch of magical air. Sure it took more than one take but man... I"m glad I don't pay by the hour.

Thanks Shannah for helping out!

Here is the preliminary artwork for our next mini-product, Video Copilot: Series One. The new Tutorial DVD will be available in 2 Versions: Standard and Special Edition. Both will contain all 50 free tutorials and project files but the Special Edition DVD will have many bonus features. Basically the Special Edition DVD is for the fans and the standard edition is for the people who just want to be able to watch the tutorials offline or on the road.

Sam might even sign a few copies in the first batch as well. Then again, I may not be able to stop him.

More details to follow, after these messages.

Sam and I (Andrew) are working on a special video to answer questions that you may have. I'm not talking about technical questions but other general questions. Just post them here and we'll take the good ones.

update: Thanks for the help.

Welcome back! Today we have 2 brand new tutorials that should be a lot of fun. First we'll create a dying planet with lava so that we can blow it up. Enjoy and don't forget to check out Evolution our exciting new product.