Serenity: The Opening

this is the opening credits scene from the movie Serenity. it might not seem like much at first glance, but it is a masterful work of exposition and cinematography. for those unfamiliar with Firefly, these 5 minutes establish the ensemble's backgrounds and personalities all on a single take (well, there is one cut, but it's quick and subtle).

Pam rotoscoped

i was watching a fan-made documentary on the phenomenon of Firefly called Done the Impossible. Jenna Fischer appeared with her husband, James Gunn, who was being interviewed. also, sometime this month will be the airing of the episode of The Office that Joss Whedon directed. as you can tell, i am very excited.

Super Bowl 2007 Ads

you can find them on all on iFilm (click title).
here is my favourite --
Sprint: Connectile Dysfunction
i would have embedded it, but the video player does not fit on my layout.
it's about broadband connectivity at the airport (or lack thereof).
i took a screencap of the shot that won me over.

other notables:
Coke: Grand Theft Auto
Bud Light: Rock, Paper, Scissors
GM: Robot

EDIT: oh yeah, the game. i didn't watch it (as i rarely watch NFL football and Smallville [gag, sputter, cough -- i watch that trash to make the other shows seem even better] was on).

Indianapolis Colts 29 : 17 Chicago Bears

i wanted more of a passing game, rather than a defensive game, but it rained. Peyton Manning (Colts QB) is my favourite NFLer. he's got the mix of brains, the inherent talent honed by years of methodical practice, the Aryan good looks and the aww-shucks-gee-golly-gumdrops modesty that i think Matt Stajan will someday reach (he's only missing the years and the media recognition). and it was about time he got over that lose-to-New-England-in-the-playoffs-every-year hump to win it all.

Interpolated Rotoscoping

Audrey Tautou
this is my first rotoscoping attempt. i overcomplicated it by adhering too closely to the original, which causes it to lose some effect. it was also a fairly difficult first image to use as it was black and white and curly. getting the background to be discernable from the skin tone was a trial in an of itself. overall i am pleased.


Alexis Bledel
this is my second attempt which took me the better part of saturday. the original colours i picked were too obvious (if you viewed this post earlier in the day). i corrected it for more subtlety. this time i tried to use only three tones per colour-area, with a few small accents. i did blur the background too enthusiastically. alas, i have yet to figure out a way to correct it. in any case, i like this one even more now that i've brightened the originally dark shadows.
EDIT: now there is no 'stache. not that i mind moustaches on ladies, so long as they have the confidence to pull it off tastefully.

"at least my costume has pants!"