Lisa Franek
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Petzval Lens Test

6/20/2014

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I went on a little adventure today. But really, the adventure started back in November, when I participated in a Kickstarter campaign that ended up meeting (and overshooting) it's goal. I bought myself a brand spankin' new lens called a Petzval, and today I took it out for a little test drive.

Now you must understand, I'm not a techie kind of person. I like nice pictures and movies that look good, and my lamentations usually involve the absence of a tripod, rather than some technical issue that is so esoteric you practically have to have a PhD from MIT to understand what you're talking about.  I never worry about what camera people are using to shoot their movies, or if they're shooting digital or film, or whatever. I just like things to look nice. But this lens, I had to have. So I took the plunge, waited 6 months, and now here it is.



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So today I thought I would take it out and see what it can do, and I'm sharing some of the photos I like best here with you, so you can see what this lens can do. Yes, it's somewhat limited, because it has a very specific purpose. It is only the second lens I have, as the first lens I have pretty much does everything from wide angle to telephoto. And I'm not a professional photographer, so my need for lenses is somewhat limited. But this lens produces such beautiful and lyrical images, that I feel I have a use for it. Maybe I could even make a movie with it. Or maybe just part of a movie. Whatever it is, I'm pretty sure I can find some lovely things to photograph along the way, and if not, I still have a beautiful brass lens. And if you think you need one too, you can always get one from Lomography for your very own. 

Below are the photos I took, in about a twenty minute time span this morning at the rose and succulent gardens at Balboa Park. If you're wondering why so many of them have stars in the background, it's because I experimented mostly with an aperture plate that had a star cutout in it. I plan to experiment with some of the others, but for the sake of time, I mostly stuck with the star because it's the most pronounced shape, so I know when I'm really getting the effect. It's kind of magical and weird, and even unpredictable. Anyway, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the photos, or what else you think I should try taking some pictures of next time I go out and test the lens. Maybe a test somewhere in Los Angeles should be in the works.
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Bring it on, Cinema-goers!

4/28/2013

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Digital Gym Cinema San Diego (2921 El Cajon Blvd)
Because I'm responsible for choosing so many films that I think people will like or should see in San Diego, I find that there are many folks to want to know what I was thinking. Sometimes they feel as if I may have lost my mind, and sometimes they are grateful that I've found a story they connect to on a deep level. And sometimes they just want my help in remembering the title of a great film they say a few years back and can't forget(except the title, that is). Whatever the reason, I love talking to our audiences. This blog is an attempt to extend those conversations and be even more available for chats.

I don't pretend to know everything about movies, and like all art, film is subjective, so my opinion is only worth as much as people decide. At the same time, I have been teaching film for several years, and if there is some piece of knowledge that I can impart to another person who is hungry for it, I'm more than willing to give. I love teaching. I love talking. But most of all, I love learning, and I know that our audiences have much to teach me about what they love about movies and why they think certain movies are valuable while others should be banned to the trash heap. We all would put different films in each pile, and I think that is what makes it so awesome. Film speaks to pretty much everyone on some level. And now, I want to speak to you about what those levels are. Bring it on, cinema-goers!

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Marketing & PR

7/1/2011

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There are two words I never thought I would be concerned with. But here we are, being concerned. Over the last several years, I have learned about how closely linked marketing is to the trajectory of a film. But wait, you say, if you make a good film, people will watch, right?

Nope. ‘Fraid not. People watch what you tell them to watch. They watch what is in front of their noses every day. Because they are familiar with it; they know what they’re getting into. For an example of this, just watch the Oscars. Remember how they extended the best picture category to 10 films instead of 5? It’s because people were losing interest in the broadcast. They had never heard of any of the films! Were the films good? Absolutely. But no one was watching them.

So, I’m trying to maximize awareness and minimize apathy by talking as often and as long about my movie as people will allow. If you’re reading this, you’re at least aware of the film, and possibly are interested in the updates and progress of the production. You might have even given me some funding.

But did you know I have a Facebook page for The Magicians? I do (The Magicians—like it!). I also have a YouTube account, where you can see some other films I’ve made.  There’s a twitter account. And even on this website, you can see what else I do when the urge hits me. I also have a Kickstarter page, where you can help fund the project.

These things weren’t around 5 years ago, but now that they are, I’m doing my best to use them. And this is the part where I plead, beg, and implore you to share all of these things with your friends, family, co-workers, and random people on the street. Tell them about this cool film they have to know about. It’s the only way us regular folks can get marketing done.

Thanks.

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Photos used under Creative Commons from GotCredit, Thomas Leth-Olsen, Celestine Chua, Found Animals, procsilas, numberstumper, George Vnoucek, Leyram Odacrem, One Way Stock, hardi_wb, Rennett Stowe, quinet, rashanahb, rich701, mayrpamintuan, Gavin St. Ours, Aimee Custis, ilovememphis, ikewinski, Môsieur J. [version 8.0], Darwin Bell, Ack Ook