iPhone filmmaking

Posted on 23 January, 2012 by Ben Phelps

Some incredible gadgets and software solutions were demonstrated at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) last week. There seems to be a trend towards DIY filmmaking on iPhones. Wannbe Steven Spielbergs can now do so much on a humble mobile/cell phone!

Be your own camera operator with a Swivl:

Be your own aerial camera operator with a Parrot AR.Drone 2.0:

Be your own stunt cameraman with a Throwable Panoramic Ball Camera:

Or utilise some artificial intelligence with the automated editing app, Magisto:

Purple tiles and pink porcelain

Posted on 16 January, 2012 by Ben Phelps

On the weekend we took a trip to Gosford, NSW, to visit my aunt. The trip also doubled for location scouting. Check out this fantastic bathroom in its untouched state. It’d look incredible onscreen for The Hitman’s Cookbook.

Easy going goanna

Posted on 5 January, 2012 by Ben Phelps

This goanna has the right idea. Relaxing by a Sydney Harbour beach on a glorious summer day.

Universal icons

Posted on 2 January, 2012 by Ben Phelps

Special friend, it’s time to get reacquainted now that summer has reared its head. Bliss.

Lighting

Posted on 31 December, 2011 by Ben Phelps

Inspiration for quality design and practical lighting often coincides. There’s no better example than the timeless PH lamp by Poul Henningsen. My extended family has good taste!

Kitchen horror

Posted on 30 December, 2011 by Ben Phelps

Halloween? No. The ‘beetroot incident’ at Christmas.

My secret life as a Beekeeper

Posted on 13 November, 2011 by Ben Phelps

I. Was. An . Apiarist. No, I wasn’t a monkey tamer. I was a beekeeper. When I was a kid, my step-brother and I lived on the same street as Canberra’s (only) beekeeping shop. It was a ‘garage business’ because… well… people don’t rush out to become beekeepers. Not a big demand. In fact, we were named Canberra’s Young Beekeepers of the Year. We were the only contenders. Most members of the Beekeepers Association of ACT were 50+ years old.

Years ago, design and beehives weren’t familiar bedfellows. I guess there wasn’t a Steve Jobs-like figure to reinvent the industry. But check out this cool concept by Phillips for an urban hive. Awesome.

After the apocalypse, get in touch with me. Whilst doctors and hunters will be perceived as possessing the most important skills to survive a zombie plague, I’m your man if you need honey. Even the cannibals will seek my expertise, I’m sure. Now I realise I haven’t tended to bees in a couple of decades but, hey, it’s like riding a bike. Just a matter of jumping back in the saddle and pedalling, right?

Apple TV: could channels become apps?

Posted on 9 November, 2011 by Ben Phelps

“I finally cracked it.’”
Steve Jobs on Apple’s plans to enter the Land of TV.

Now check out the great article from The Guardian that speculates on Apple’s aspirations to claim a slice of the TV broadcasting pie. So simple, so obvious.

Closer to home, Australia’s Mediawave also has some interesting insights into the Battle for the Global Living Room.

Litigious film viewer goes crazy

Posted on 11 October, 2011 by Ben Phelps

A woman sues the producers of Drive because she saw a great film but she thinks she was mislead. She really wanted something like Fast Five. Really? In that case, I demand a refund on most Hollywood films that promise to be great but turn out to be crap.

Life through the lens

Posted on 3 July, 2011 by Ben Phelps

I’m going to start posting photos I’ve taken during the week that inspire my filmmaking, starting with this incredible sculpture. It’s actually the trophy I received after my short film, Nice Shootin’ Cowboy, won the Narrative Short Jury Award at Austin Film Festival 2009 (USA). The win subsequently qualified our film to be in the final 80 films eligible for a 2011 Oscar nomination. We didn’t make the final four films but we gave it a bloody good shot!

ben phelps

Writer and Director