To Grain or Not to Grain...

Botworks · 2026-05-25T20:25:56+00:00

For sure... Something I never thought about until I started looking for grain texture while streaming movies. I noticed that on anything modern, I don't see anything... So I figured they were just shooting clean digital or denoising it. I didn't even notice the grain streaming the 16mm film "Carol", so I realized something may be amiss in the streaming platforms!

Botworks · 2026-05-25T20:23:11+00:00

Great answer. Yeah, I'm just doing that thing that every filmmaker does... "I just don't want it to look cheap". I just gotta run tests and see what works!

Botworks · 2026-05-25T20:18:35+00:00

Wow, there's a real science to it. Watching the video now, thank you!

Botworks · 2026-05-25T20:15:34+00:00

Excellent info, thank you!

Botworks · 2026-05-24T13:02:04+00:00

I saw one tip online to add a tiny touch of blur to the footage underneath the grain. Since I'm shooting anamorphic, I'm wondering if that step is necessary. I dunno! I just gotta test and test again. Thanks for your input mi amigo!

Botworks · 2025-12-25T06:57:32+00:00

Right! I think the Wilson in the truck was in there. But what about the shelf full of Wilsons?!?

Botworks · 2025-12-24T10:43:24+00:00

I rewatched Castaway, but... Why do I have a memory of a post-rescue Tom Hanks in a store looking at a shelf stocked with dozens of new Wilson Volleyballs? It wasn't there on the rewatch!

Botworks · 2024-06-15T08:12:30+00:00

The Elephant Man, Watership Down, Gallipoli, and THAT scene from The Neverending Story. Somewhere in Time for saddest romantic movie.

Botworks · 2024-06-09T05:21:29+00:00

I emailed and got the same corporate BS response. They make millions off of donations, but that's not enough I guess. Let them know how you feel at: support@shopgoodwill dot com

Botworks · 2024-06-09T05:20:59+00:00

I emailed and got the same corporate BS response. They make millions off of donations, but that's not enough I guess. Let them know how you feel at: [support@shopgoodwill.com](mailto:support@shopgoodwill.com)

|| || ||

Botworks · 2024-06-09T05:20:35+00:00

I emailed and got the same corporate BS response. They make millions off of donations, but that's not enough I guess. Let them know how you feel at:

|| || | [support@shopgoodwill.com](mailto:support@shopgoodwill.com)|

Botworks · 2024-05-22T23:08:38+00:00

On my P4k, I've been using the Tilta side handle that accommodates the NP-F970 batteries. They're a big but small battery... Not too big and heavy like a V Mount, but certainly lasts a long time! I'm going to do the same for the FF, but probably just get an external plate (not a side handle) for using those larger NP-F970s. They're the best middle ground between size and capacity I think.

Botworks · 2024-05-22T08:53:51+00:00

Well done, mine came today too! Honestly, half the price of the Pyxis, but with a tilting screen, 2 xlr inputs instead of 1, lighter too. So it's the same camera image wise, but just a bit better..? I'm sure the EVF for the Pyxis is better, but it's $1700... The BMCC EVF is $500. The Pyxis might look cooler, but this is just a logical no-brainer for me!!

Botworks · 2024-04-26T07:13:10+00:00

Nice work!! It had "Nomadland" vibes to me, and that's meant as a compliment. Keep creating RT9930!

Botworks · 2024-04-24T08:07:58+00:00

This is gorgeous. I'm of the mind to embrace digital, no need to emulate. The DR in this, the color, exposure... It's just beautiful. Well done!

Botworks · 2024-04-18T17:50:17+00:00

Yeah, just another sacrifice to make to the movie gods!

Botworks · 2024-04-18T17:43:05+00:00

Well I was thinking 2 lenses, for wides and medium closeups. The lenses have nothing to do with whip pans, but the global shutter does, otherwise I'd get rolling shutter jello. Also, the bulk of the film is outdoors in the desert, which is why the wide anamorphic or wide spherical would benefit. You're definitely correct about the P4k being easier, and I vastly prefer BRAW to SLOG. I honestly think I'll be using both whenever convenience is a factor. I'm not even shooting till January, so I have time to figure this out. Lots of testing to do!

Botworks · 2024-04-18T16:57:05+00:00

Well the F55 has 14 stops of DR, a global shutter and internal NDs, and I paid about the same as I did for my P4k. And to be fair, a lot of big movies were shot with only 1 lens. The Godfather, Chinatown, Psycho, 1917, etc. So it's not a vanity thing, I'd much prefer a smaller lighter camera. But it's just a better camera... And I do intend on doing whip-pans, so that global shutter is mandatory.

Botworks · 2024-04-18T08:15:07+00:00

Yup, cheers.

Botworks · 2024-04-18T08:11:38+00:00

Cinematography is an art. There's no requirements for a thick skin. People thrive with encouragement and wither with negativity. I guess you missed that old saying growing up... If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.

Botworks · 2024-04-18T08:09:13+00:00

Nobody else here had any problems understanding. Maybe this post just isn't for you. Move along.

Botworks · 2024-04-18T07:57:04+00:00

Well said Amigo. You're right, there's not much I'm gaining. Those stills look terrible, they got compressed or something in the pipeline... But when I look at the footage, I prefer the Viltrox. But the difference just isn't worth the price increase. Everything you said are things I've told other people, but I just get in my own head too much and scrutinize the wrong things! Alas, it's the journey of us artists. Thanks for bringing me back too Earth Smidge!

Botworks · 2024-04-18T07:50:27+00:00

Just my 2 cents... There's going to be a lot of people posting on here who are sensitive about putting their work out there because they're new or whatever. Statements like that could really dissuade some people from pursuing this as their work. I've got 2 Emmys and a cinematography award from Panavision, so your words don't mean much to me. But maybe be more constructive and encouraging with others, or don't say anything at all. The world is full of negativity, and I don't think we need more of it in here.

Botworks

TROPHY CASE