Justin Gustavison

Where is my Mind? TBT Cover Video

2011-12-12T07:55:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, Trampled by Turtles came to me wanting me to do a video for a cover they were doing by the Pixies, "Where is my Mind?". The concept of the video is pretty simple, but intriguing. They had fans submit pictures of them holding up words to the song. I never would have guessed that they would get as many submissions as they did! I shot some live concert footage of them preforming the cover and cut together this video. Already, the video has gotten recognition as being one of the best videos of 2011 on the site covermesongs.com! (http://www.covermesongs.com/2011/12/the-best-cover-music-videos-of-2011.html#more-30884)

I can't wait to see what Trampled by Turtles has in store for the future! Such a great band!

Albuquerque First Baptist Church Video

2011-10-10T15:25:00.001-07:00

Recently I was lucky enough to travel to Albuquerque New Mexico to make a video for a local church. I love the west and rarley get a chance to go there, so getting the chance to do a gig over there was a blessing!

Below is the first of 4 videos that I made for them:

RED One MX

2011-08-26T19:45:00.000-07:00

So recently we got a new camera at work. The RED One Mysterium X. So far, this camera is phenomenal and I have only had a couple days with it. I have been running a few tests with the camera to prepare it for our shoot next week. Below is the first of several tests I put it through. I wanted to test it's low light capabilities and the camera did not disappoint. It's tough to tell from this compressed file, but judging from the uncompressed files, it seemed to me that the image started to break down at about 800 ISO. Meaning, I started to notice some minor noise in the darks. At about 1600 ISO, I started to notice significant noise in the image and would not go over 1600 ISO. 1250 is even pushing it.

Here are some of the tech specs:

Shot on RED One MX Camera.
Using an 18-85mm T2.9 RED Cinema Lens, all the way open at 2.9.
24fps, 1/48th shutter, 4K 2:1, REDCODE 42.

D|Zoom Gear Review

2011-08-09T13:49:00.000-07:00

The following is a review of the D|Zoom, zoom control made by D|Focus Systems.

I took this piece of kit for a spin on a recent shoot and put it through the ringer.

For more information on the D|Zoom, go to: www.dfocussystem.com

New wedding video...

2011-07-26T07:14:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest wedding video we did back a few months ago. We had 3 5D's, a jib, two sliders and a glidecam on this one!

Wedding Video

2011-04-13T16:57:00.000-07:00

Check out this wedding Kevin Bryan and I shot. We went all out and shot with 2 Canon 5D MK II's, and a Sony EX3. We also used a Kessler Cineslider and a Glidecam HD4000.

We are shooting another wedding this weekend and are including in the mix a 3rd 5D and an 8ft. Cobra Crane! It's gunna be epic!

Sara + Jonathan : Louisville Wedding from Visual Poet Studios on Vimeo.

Edge Outreach

2011-03-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

The following is a video made for a non-profit outreach water ministry. The video was produced by City on a Hill Productions cityonahillproductions.com/

I edited this piece and shot some of the interviews. The rest of the footage was shot by our amazing cinematographer Kevin Bryan vimeo.com/visualpoetstudios

Most everything was shot on the Canon 5D Mk II, some shots were with the Sony EX3. We used a kessler cineslider for most of the interviews and an indislider for the video shot in the field.

Jag35 Straight Rig Review

2011-03-18T11:05:00.001-07:00

The JAG35 Straight Rig is an affordable shoulder mounting solution for your DSLR camera and accessories. And when combined with a smallHD monitor, they make the perfect pair.

The Jag35 straight rig utilizes industry standard, 15mm rod support, a 3lb counter weight, and a comfortable shoulder pad. Let me just start out to say that I am most familiar with working with the Zacuto double barrel rigs and Red Rock Micro support systems, so I was curious to see how the Jag35 rig would stack up.

All the parts are quality, strong, carbon fiber parts. The clamps tighten down well and don’t slip. The only thing I found is that after putting this rig together, my fingers were sore from tightening down the thumb screws, but you run into the same problem with the Zacuto gear as well.

I found that the 3lb counter weight wasn’t enough to counter the weight in the front, so I improvised and used a Manfrotto clamp, coupled with my BeachTech DXA-5DA to help distribute the weight.

I love having a top handle. Not only is it nice to have a place to pick up the rig, but having a top handle helps when shooting low angles.

I really like how Jag35 listened to their customers and addressed the base plate slipping problem. Jag35 easily addressed this problem by installing small pins to keep your DSLR in place and keep it from slipping.

The only other problem I had with the DSLR stand is the mounting screw is tricky to lock down tight and even trickier to unlock. However, I heard a rumor that Jag35 knows about the issue and are coming up with a solution.

I also bought a D|Focus V3 follow focus with my rig. I did a lot of research and decided to go with the D|Focus because it is not only affordable, but it is a well constructed follow focus at 1/5th of the price.

I have used zacuto follow focuses, red rock micro follow focuses and the top of the line arri follow focus and I can tell you after using the D|Focus that the price difference between all of these is not worth it.

The D|Focus does everything a follow focus should do minus a few luxuries. The main difference I found was that the D|Focus knob doesn’t turn as freely as the more expensive ones, which isn’t a big deal. The only other thing that would be nice is if the D|Focus had an adjustable marking pin for setting your focus points.

I was surprised to find that the Jag35 Straight Rig can hold it’s own against the

HDR Video Test Update

2011-02-27T10:16:00.000-08:00

If you read my last post, you know I am currently trying new things with HDR video. I feel like I am getting closer to the results I am looking for.

Check out my latest video test below.

I added a mask to her eyes to exaggerate the green and really make them pop!

HDR Video Tests

2011-02-22T12:55:00.000-08:00

So I have been doing a lot of tests here lately in my spare time and hopefully I will be able to implement one or two in my next project.

The one below, is an experiment I have been trying with HDR (High Dynamic Rang) video. Most of us have heard of HDR pictures where everything in the shot is perfectly exposed and beautiful. A lot of people are trying to implement this technique in video and some are getting pretty close.

Ideally, one would want to use two cameras, rigged up in such a way where they are both recording the exact same image only one camera is set to capture the image with darker settings and the other with over exposed settings. However, I do not have two cameras, so I am experimenting in post with color correction techniques. Editing in After Effects, I was pretty surprised to get the results that I did!

Here are some examples of what I came up with. Click on the images to see the detail in each:

This first shot is the control. It has no color correction at all and is strait out of the camera.

This next shot I tried to bring out as much detail as possible. There is a lot more information brought out in the mids and highlights, but we still loose a lot of info in the shadows.

I took it even a step further in this shot and really tried to bring out everything I could. You can tell that it's starting to look a little un-natural in this one, but also notice that we have more detail in her hair and the shadows.

TBT Victory Music Video FINALLY released!

2011-02-09T11:10:00.000-08:00

Remember a while back when I shot a music video for TBT's Victory track? Well, I can finally say that it has been released to the world and can finally post it on my blog for all to see!

It came out looking great, but it was a ton of work to make. Never underestimate how much work goes into making a stop motion video. LOTS of work, although the rewards are great! Enjoy!

The Bridge Music video

2011-02-08T08:45:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, I shot a music video for The Bridge. Since then it has been released along with their new album National Bohemian. The video was also featured on Street Date.

Nellie Mckay

2011-02-02T12:48:00.000-08:00

On the 25th, I had the pleasure of shooting a live performance of Nellie Mckay at a private members only show at the local radio station WFPK.

She is a very talented artist and has a charming personality that's imposible to resist. She performed several songs, but I chose a couple of my favorite to feature in the video.

Check out more of her music here: http://www.nelliemckay.com/

Enjoy the show!

Nellie Mckay Live at WFPK Studio

BTS & On Set for "The Bridge" Music Video

2011-01-17T10:28:00.000-08:00

The most recent project I am working on is yet another music video for a band called "The Bridge". They are a southern style rock band from Baltimore and let me just say that they are a great group of guys! The music video will be used to promote their new album coming out on the 1st of February and features their new single "Rosie".

The shoot went better than I could have hoped for. We shot at a local studio here in Louisville called Studio One and shot the whole thing on their giant, white cyc wall. It looked awesome!

The concept behind this video is to play it off as if the band was performing on an old Ed Sullivan-like-show. We dressed the band in some timeless looking matching costumes and had them play using some retro equipment to make it look of its time.

The set design came out looking great and the guys did a great job of playing the characters. I am still debating on whether or not to make this all black & white or color. I originally envisioned it b&w, but it looks great both ways! I will have to play around in post and see which I like better.

In the meantime, here are a few bts pictures of the shoot! Enjoy!

Be A Mentor

2010-11-30T10:35:00.000-08:00

Most everyone knows that my wife works for the Portland Promise Center and that we both are involved with the neighborhood. The work that the Center does is amazing and helps the community out tremendously. PPC offer many programs to the neighborhood and it is staggering the benefits that the Center offers its community.

I produce videos when I can for them and my most recent one focuses on their Mentoring program. Rather than explain what the program is all about, watch the video below and find out for yourself!

New Trampled by Turtles Music Video for "Victory"

2010-11-29T09:48:00.000-08:00

I finished the new video for TBT and it came out looking real sweet! I can't wait for everyone to see it. The entire video was done using stop motion. Essentially, that means the whole video was made using only pictures. Let me just say, it was no easy task and took up a lot of time to collect footage. But, it came out looking creepy and awesome!

I would like nothing more than to post the video here on my blog, however, Trampled by Turtles is waiting for the new year to unveil their new video. So, I have a few screen grabs to hold you over until then.

The guys were great. They were once again awesome to hang out with and work with. Every time I hear them, I can't believe how talented these guys are!

Enjoy the pics!

The Equipment

2010-09-14T10:33:00.001-07:00

This is one of my favorite parts of production, the toys! We got to spend a lot of money on some cool toys for this last film and so far, it has all worked great!

We rented from Zacuto and Fletcher Lens Rentals and as you will see from the pictures below, we had a lot of fun with this kit.

Zacuto asked us to document our production workflow using their equipment so they could have pictures and video for their website! With a reputation like Zacuto's, it is an honor to help them out. We will most definitely be renting from them again in the future.

For all you tech geeks out there, here is a run-down of just some of the equipment we used:

-x2 Canon 5D Mark II's

The Glass (all Canon glass):
-70-200mm f/2.8 II
-24-70mm f/2.8
-24-105mm f/4
-50mm f/1.2
-35mm f/1.4
-24mm f/1.4
-14mm f/2.8

-Marshal 7inch HD monitor
-Chrosziel Matte Box with 4x5 filters
-Zacuto Double Barrel Shoulder Rig
-Zacuto Follow Focus
-Zacuto Z-Finder with Gorilla plate
-Bartech Wireless Follow Focus
-Black Magic converter box
-Kessler Crane CineSlider
-Cam Tram Dolly System with 10ft. rails

Life Project

2010-09-14T10:33:00.000-07:00

We have just started the first week of production on the Life Project at City. Shooting this has been a blast and it's been awesome working with everyone. We had a really nice kit to shoot with (I will probably do a separate blog on the equipment later) and Zacuto has been a great company to rent from.

We had three casts to work with, a Hispanic cast, African American cast, and a Caucasian cast. All of them did a great job! We flew most of them out here from Dallas Texas and it was worth every penny.

Most of the footage is in the can, but we still have one more week of production scheduled for early October. In the meantime, you can watch a segment showing the progress of the film below. Enjoy!

48 Hour Film "WRAK & RUIN"

2010-08-11T10:53:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to be the DP for a 48 hour film competition here in Louisville. Let me just say that I had a BLAST working with these guys! I have done other 48 hour film comps in the past, but this one was by far the best time I have had with one.

We got "silent film" as our genre, so how we ended up shooting an action movie is beyond me. This was my first ever go at doing an action film and it was so much fun! Somewhere between being covered in fake blood and getting to handel real firearms, it hit me! I could really get into this!

We shot with my 5D Mark II and a 7D. This was my first time seeing the 7D in action first hand and I still can't get over how cool the slow motion is on this thing! I wish canon would come out with firmware to shoot 60fps on my camera so bad now!

All the guys involved were awesome and super talented. I hope we get to work together again soon! In the meantime, check out this killer action scene from the film!

Tucson Adventures

2010-08-04T10:34:00.000-07:00

We just got back from our trip in Tucson Arizona and we wish we were back already! We had a great time hiking, camping, eating and hanging out with good friends. When we got back, I decided to edit together some of the footage I took while we were there. The end result was a 5 minute video featuring just a taste of all the great times we had while we were in Tucson. I can't wait to go back!

Time lapse

2010-07-25T10:19:00.000-07:00

Ok, so my latest obsession is time lapse photography. As I learn more and more about this medium, I am finding that it takes a lot of trial and error to get the results you want. That being said, time lapse photography is a very rewarding hobby as it stretches you to really learn how to use all the features on your camera and forces you to try out settings that you wouldn't otherwise use.

Below are a few test videos of my first attempts. I use an after market intervalometer to set my intervals and control my shutter and a Manfrotto Magic Arm and umbrella stand to mount the camera on.

This first video was a test video to try out the new equipment. I wanted to test out my new timer remote and I think it works pretty good (especially for a cheap knock-off). This was shot outside our window in the neighborhood. There was supposed to be a storm that night, but nothing really happend.

This next video is my first real attempt at doing an Astro-Timelapse. I set up the camera to take shots at 20 second intervals for 3 hours. This gave me just over 20 seconds of video at 24fps. In the end, I think it turned out looking pretty good for my first real try! I think next time I might set it to do a slightly longer exposure to help bring out the stars more.

These last two where test videos to see how the time lapse would handle faster moving objects. I set up the camera to do a timelapse of myself working in my office for about an hour. I set the interval to 4 seconds, but it still seems so fast! I will try 1 second intervals next time.

The other one is of the 30 min commute home from the perspective of the back seat of my car. A little bumpy at some points, but it works!

New video for not a fan DVD

2010-07-08T06:17:00.000-07:00

I just finished a video intro that will be featured on the not a fan DVD set on disk 1. We shot this in the auditorium of Southeast Christian Church. I'm always amazed by how quick Kyle Idleman is able to learn his lines. He just shows up and within a few minutes, he is ready to go!

not a fan. Trailer finished!!

2010-06-25T07:06:00.000-07:00

I just finished the 30 second trailer for the not a fan series. Let me tell you, 30 seconds is not enough time to fit 3 hours of film into.

Production is over and post production is wrapping up. All we have left is tweaking audio and original music scoring. I am currently in the process of authoring the DVD. It will be a 4 disk package with lots of extra features and behind-the-scenes footage.

The series will be available for sale by mid July. I think not a fan will be a huge success! It is such a powerful series with some top notch dramatic performances.

The top video is the 30 second trailer and below is the extended 3 minute version. Both of them came out great and the full length episodes are even better!

TBT Music Video On CMT!

2010-05-25T08:32:00.000-07:00

The Trampled by Turtles video is on CMT! Next stop, MTV!!!

Clean & Sober

2010-05-10T12:07:00.000-07:00

I recently finished another video for the Portland Promise Center. This one features Jimmy Duke, a member of the Portland community. We wanted this video to be used to reach out to people who struggle with addiction, and Jimmy is living proof of what can happen when one turns their life over to Christ.

Home Town love from WFPK

2010-04-26T07:53:00.000-07:00

Local radio station WFPK has given a shout out for the TBT music video on their website! You can check it out here: http://www.wfpk.org/2010/04/23/new-trampled-by-turtles-video/

Also, a music critic from Spinner gave TBT much praise when he reviews a show he saw in LA. He even references the music video!

"Short & sweet this week, was just pleasantly surprised by a band out of nowhere last week -- while half the LA music scene was witnessing the return of Hole at the Fonda, I caught bluegrass band TRAMPLED BY TURTLES make their LA debut to a packed house at The Mint prior to their Saturday stint at Stagecoach -- WOW. This 5-piece blew me away with an energy I hadn't caught in a long time.

Rather than write too much about them, get your week off to a great start and click here to check out this video for "Wait So Long" (from the new album 'Palomino,' which just came out a couple weeks ago) that a production house made during a recent tour stop in Louisville, then click on the related YouTube videos to get an idea of what their stage show is like -- these guys easily, simultaneously appeal to fans of Pitchfork, Jambase, and CMT crowds and beyond. Nice to see an act with such a bright future ahead of them, catch 'em while they're still playing clubs."

TBT Music Video Featured On Website!

2010-04-23T11:04:00.000-07:00

The Trampled by Turtles website has posted the music video I did for them on their home page and everyone seems to love it! It's only been online a few days and it has already reached over 5000 views! Their new album has just reached #1 on the charts in the 'bluegrass music' category. With the bands rapid increase in popularity, I wouldn't be surprised to see them on TV soon!

Trample By Turtles Music Video Finished

2010-04-12T14:23:00.000-07:00

I finally finished the music video for Trampled by Turtles. It came out looking pretty good. I had some issues with color grading and exporting, but it eventually came together in the end. I may go back and do another color graded version, but for right now I will leave it the way it is.

Trampled By Turtles new album Palomino is coming out tomorrow (April 13th) so the music video was finished not a moment too soon! Take a look at the video below and definitely go check out their music. They are an awesome band!

Trampled By Turtles Music Video Shoot

2010-03-29T11:09:00.001-07:00

e had the chance to shoot a music video for Trampled By Turtles this weekend and it was a complete success! All the guys from the band were amazing. They were very patient while we got all the shots that we needed.

All the footage has been shot and I am currently in the middle of editing it. Below you will see a few behind the scenes pictures from the shoot. The concert footage turned out great, so I can't wait to see how the music video comes out!

A Faithful Servant

2010-03-23T13:55:00.000-07:00

I just finished one of two films for the Portland Promise Center. Each video features a staff member and their impact on the community through the PPC.

The one featured below is on Miss June. She plays a huge role in the success of the Portland Promise Center and this video shows that through her being a faithful servant to the community.

Cinematography reel so far for 2010

2010-03-20T14:40:00.000-07:00

I try and spend as much time as I can shooting extra footage. Just about all of my free time is spent filming something for someone.

I decided to take some of those pieces of footage and edit it into a cinematography reel. Already it is out dated, as I have shot stuff since then, but at least it showcases some of the work I've been doing so far this year. Enjoy!

Trampled By Turtles Concert

2010-03-01T14:23:00.000-08:00

Last Friday we shot some concert footage of Trampled By Turtles and it was an awesome show! We were planing on just shooting one song of TBT, but The Del McCoury band (the headliners) asked us to shoot them as well! We couldn't pass up the opportunity to shoot such a legendary band.

Below you will see concert footage of TBT playing their new song "Wait So Long" from their upcoming album "Palomino". There are two videos. One is color graded and the other is un-graded, strait out of the camera. Which one do you like better?

New Camera

2010-01-20T14:09:00.000-08:00

The following videos are two test videos that I shot using my new camera. The quality of this camera is only second to film quality.

It is hard to tell the difference between this footage and footage shot with a $100,000 movie film camera. I love my new camera!