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Here is am in the grasp of Darth Vader (not the economy!) at ILM - Photo by Stacey Leong/ILM
I just wanted to post a quick update here to clarify a few things - and to tell you what I’m working on for this blog.
First - these past few weeks have been pretty mind blowing. I’ve finally had a chance to relax with family for 48 hours in the sun, after an uninterrupted 8-week-whirlwind tour.
The first thing that I wanted to clear up is: things are going well for me and my business -in fact they’ve probably never been better. That being said, it’s important to be aware that we are indeed going through an unusually tough spot in our global economy. This is not just one of those “normal” cycles - as some who are posting in the comments pages, seem to believe. That’s my opinion anyway - and that was the reason behind my post “The Perfect Storm Has Arrived.” I wrote that article in response to a lot of the things that I’ve been reading in the press, as well as witnessing first hand - a lot of my talented colleagues are facing difficult times - and it’s tough to witness. I’ve also had a chance to speak to some influential (and well informed) people in both Hollywood and Silicon Valley - and everyone is “feeling it.” So I’m quite positive - but cautious as well.
On another front - I’ve had a chance to meet a lot of interesting people over the past few weeks - many of them visionaries in their respective industries. I’ve been invited to speak and visit the campus at Industrial Light & Magic, as well meet some trend-setting people at Dreamworks Animation, Apple, SmugMug, and Disney. Heck I’ve even met the guy who invented Dolby 5.1, as well as filmmaker Stu Maschwitz who is also the author of the indy filmmaker’s “bible” “The DV Rebel’s Guide.” Stu incidentally has a blog for filmmakers that all photographers should take a gander at: ProLost.
One of the highlights of this past month, was meeting Dennis Murren - the godfather of special effects. He was one of the people in the audience of the ILM theater - and I somehow kept noticing him as I was showing “Reverie” on a 50 foot screen (that was a trip!) He was either “glowing” or just sitting beneath one of the lights… I don’t stay up at night reading IMDB - but I do always watch the behind the scenes videos on my DVDs - and the entire time I was speaking, my eye kept being drawn to him, and I kept asking myself: ”Where do I recognize this guy from?” Well - it might have been from the behind the scenes footage of either: Star Wars, E.T, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Empire of the Sun, The Abyss, Terminator 2, Jurassic Park, Twister, AI, Hulk, War of the Worlds, just to name a few. Or maybe I recognized him from one of his 6 trips on stage to pick up an Oscar. Having him attend my presentation, let alone having him spend his time with me over lunch - was something I won’t soon forget. The great folks at ILM also gave me what ended up being a 2-3 hour tour of the campus - and that was pretty exceptional treat as well (Thanks Kate, Greg, & Stacey!) I’ve also had a chance to meet some very cool people in Hollywood - people are very interested in the 5D MKII on a number of levels. As I said: these past few weeks have been pretty mind blowing.
The plane on the top right is the model from
As far as this blog is concerned - I’m planning on releasing some new material that I’ve shot with the 5D MKII this week. I’m also going to announce a bunch of news about new projects, the film contest, and the internship. It’s going to be a busy week. So stay tuned - and enjoy the holidays! (if you’re observing them.)
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That’s pretty exciting! I’m looking forward to hearing all your big news in the next little while.
Comment by Joel Jenkins 11.23.08 @ 9:50 pmAny updates on when the videos of your seminar will be available?
Vincent Laforet Reply:
November 23rd, 2008 at 11:38 pm
My aim is in time for the Holidays - we should have it edited by the end of next week - and then we need to output them - v
So, are my hopes of being a photojournalist pretty much slipping? I don’t graduate for another year… would be horrible if I wasn’t able to find work.
Love your work! Especially your technique with the TS-E lenses 
[...] Ahora que los Photowalkings están de moda, al reciente de Xatakafoto se acerca ahora el de “el ojodigital” al que quizás Vincent Laforet venga con cámara de video en vez de fotográfica porque cada vez le tienta más y más el film “digital”… [...]
Pingback by Destacado de la Semana 4708 « Blind Lynx 11.24.08 @ 11:48 amThis is very exciting stuff, Vince. In what way were they interested in the 5D MII? Did you sense how it would change things for them? Were they planning any immediate projects with the camera? I’m curious about the interaction in this area.
Comment by Louis De Barraicua 11.24.08 @ 2:45 pmI recognize the famous guy in front, but who is the other guy in the background 
I have been watching your work for some time now. I love your effects, and I wish I could figure out how to apply it to my own work.
I too am getting nothing but bad vibes from others in my field and area. I am getting to the point where I just don’t want to have that discussion anymore as I am afraid it will wear on me. My business is booming, and I am not going to let anyone get in the way of my continued growth.
We are what we think.
Comment by Aric Hoek 11.24.08 @ 5:03 pmwow, that sounds pretty amazing.
can’t wait to see all that stuff coming up!
You’re totally right with your (healthy) pessimism, it’s going to be hard in the next few years.
but the good thing is - not to forget - the economy gets cleaned up, things that aint right now, will be right after this crisis. It should be better than last year within the next 5-10 years. But still, you’re absolutely right, concerning the next few years, i think. I just started my photography business a year ago, it developed very well since then (considering my age and experience), so i’m a bit afraid of what will come, as i’m still quite far away from where i want to get.
all the best vincent! may your visions come to reality! Thank you for all the motivation, inspiration and insights you provide! You propably wont believe how much this helps 
it will be nice to hear of your comments on the competition among iphone, smartphone, and google phone.
Comment by leop 11.26.08 @ 4:55 am[...] read in the papers, an awful lot of people seem to be working. Vincent Laforet, over at his blog HERE seems to be very busy as well and, reading the Sportshooter forums, there does not seem to be a lot [...]
Pingback by Calgary photographer Dan Bannister discusses the business of photography | One Word Photography 11.27.08 @ 10:19 amDUDE!
I live right across the street from ILM!
You should have told me you were coming we could have hit up a few lunch spots while you were here!
All the Same I hope you loved The Presidio!
All the Best!
Estebe
Comment by Estebe Verde 12.02.08 @ 7:03 amGreat post. I have a degree in economics and you are 100% correct. This is not a normal business cycles. Cycles (outside of previous depressions) have been induced by the fed to stop inflation after they put policies in place which would naturally end in high inflation. I still believe a lot of people don’t “get it” yet but when next year and the year after comes and there is no seemingly end insight they will start to get it. The game is over, the F.I.R.E. economy is dead.
Comment by Mustafa 05.30.09 @ 12:51 pmLeave a comment
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Vincent Laforet Reply:
November 23rd, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Yes yes I know… still waiting on him to approve it… ball’s in his court… he’s a busy man. So as soon as he gives me the green light - I’ll release it.
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Bret Reply:
November 25th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Thanks for the update on the Platon audio.
BTW, did Canon let you keep that 5D II or did you have to get in line with the rest of us?
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