Cinegear NYC 2024
What a weekend it has been!!
The past three days have been incredibly inquisitive and enriching, specifically focusing on film and photography at Cinegear NYC. The Tommy Marie Pictures Team, which consists of Sean and myself, was genuinely thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of the vibrant film community through Cinegear. We participated in every single class, panel, and discussion we could manage to get into, striving to absorb as much knowledge and insight as possible. One particularly memorable moment that stood out to me during the seminars was the session presented by a photographer named Mr. Kenneth Hines (a renowned street photographer known for his captivating work). I was truly fascinated by his concept of “F*** It!” This particular saying resonates with me deeply, as I have encountered it throughout all my acting training. Hearing another artist articulate the very same idea was enlightening. It sparked an epiphany within me: there is no necessity to please everyone or to perfect every single situation; sometimes, you just have to go for it. While validation can be an asset, it is not absolutely required.
A couple of months prior to Cinegear, Sean and I were working on shooting our own short film with a split-screen technique, and we had envisioned filming in this park where we both grew up, deep within the trails. We were so anxious about the possibility of getting shut down, of not having the proper permits, and simply being in the way of others. However, when the day finally arrived, we decided to embrace the spirit of “f*** it,” and we shot everything we planned—nothing went wrong! Remarkably, everyone that we crossed paths with was incredibly supportive and eager to help in any way they could. The experience taught me that not everything has to adhere strictly to the rules; as long as you have a clear vision and sufficient drive, you can accomplish your goals—just as long as nothing illegal takes place.
Another significant takeaway from Cinegear was the impressive array of new film gear being introduced, which will inevitably be circulating among filmmakers in the near future. I couldn’t help but keep my eye on the Arrir Alexa Virtual Productions from 4Wall; I first learned about it at LDI in Vegas earlier this year. The innovative concept that a camera can be completely motion-captured and synced with a virtual production screen, matching seamlessly within 3D environments is absolutely astounding. It opens up endless possibilities for setting and placing characters and filming anywhere, anytime, in real-time, without the recognizable look of CGI. We also thoroughly enjoyed our conversations with Fourwall! We had such a wonderful time sitting, listening, learning, and connecting with everyone we met. I truly can’t wait for next year’s event!