Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with credits

Video-Editing for Dummies!

newfers — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:39:04 -0800

I'd like to make a presumably simple video in the style of a series of opening credits for a tv show. What's my cheapest way to do it, and how? I am attempting to make a short video for friends, and my idea is to have a 1-minute video playing and at 4 points during the video, a photo appears in the center of the video, with the friend's name underneath.
Each pic appears briefly, disappears (or twirls or shrinks, whatever - doesn't need to be anything special)... and then the next pic appears, until all 4 are done. It's kind of like a series of badly done opening credits.

Before I go ahead and purchase Premiere Elements, is there another easier or cheaper method to do this very thing, and if so, can you give very basic instructions? The only media I will be using will be the video clip and 4 image files to be placed within the video as it plays.

I use a PC primarily, but also have a MacBook Pro, so if iMovie can do this, I'd be happy, but I don't see the option as I played with the program. I'd prefer a PC solution, or a platform agnostic solution.

Why do movie credits list every last person who had anything to do with the production?

UbuRoivas — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 18:21:12 -0800

Why do movie credits list every last person who had anything to do with the production? Recently I paid attention - for probably the first time ever - to the entire detail of a movie's closing credits & was amazed that they bothered to list roles like "wardrobe truck drivers" and the like.

Now, I can understand that editors & cinematographers & so on would have an interest in getting acknowledgement & advertising their services through credits.

However, I cannot understand why miscellaneous support roles whose skills & qualities are not in any way apparent in the finished product would need a mention.

So, considering that:
- the general public couldn't care less who drove the wardrobe trucks or supplied the cutlery for the catering service, and
- that these jobs are most likely filled by agencies or word-of-mouth anyway, and
- that prospective employers (other producers) would have no way of evaluating these people from a mere listing like that...

...why are they listed in the credits at all? Is it just an ego thing, or is there something I'm missing?

Don't leave the theatre yet...

niccolo — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:33:23 -0800

Here's a tough question! I'm looking for two examples of films/tv shows that have recipes (for cooking) in the on screen credits. Apparently Spaceballs is one (in the closing credits, the recipe for fudge brownies appears).
I need two more examples!

Credit against what taxes?

smackfu — Wed, 13 May 2009 13:31:36 -0800

Help me understand tax credit incentives for filming movies in a particular city/state. How would the production company get enough taxable state income to make a credit worth it?

What's the industry term for the block of credits after a movie trailer?

UMDirector — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 12:20:36 -0800

What's the industry term for the block of credits after a movie trailer? Beyond simply title card? I was talking to someone a while ago and they used a term that I hadn't heard before. It was easily understandable "what" it was once they said it but now I can't remember. I believe it was being used exclusively to refer to the credits at the end of a movie trailer, although it may also refer to movie posters.

When did TV/movie titles start to float in "real" space?

BOfH — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 02:21:27 -0800

When did credits and titles start floating in "real" space in TV and Movies? I first noticed this in Fringe, where the locations of the action "Logan Airport, Boston" or "Baghdad, Iraq" are floating in or above the scenery itself. The camera will often fly through or over these titles, and actors and vehicles will walk behind or in front of them. You get the impression that if they weren't careful the actors could knock the titles over or bump into them.

The recent Watchmen movie used this technique in the opening credits - the titles appeared to occupy the same physical space as the actors and objects in the credits and would move in relation to the camera.

Titles such as the Lost interstitial don't count, as although the camera flies through them the title doesn't share (or seem to share) physical space with actors or scenery.

Is Fringe the first use of this technique, or just the first use that I've noticed? Where did it originate, and do you have any other examples of the technique being used?

Why is this motion picture created for purposes of copyright law in the United Kingdom?

Mwongozi — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 19:01:10 -0800

Why do movie credits always contain the line "This motion picture was created by <company> for purposes of copyright law in the United Kingdom"? I live in the UK so it took me a long time to realise that we didn't get special versions of the credits containing this line. USA credits have the line too. What's special about the UK that requires this line?

What was the first movie to feature an altered studio/production logo?

Jim Biancolo — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:21:45 -0800

What was the first movie where the studio allowed the filmmakers to alter the production logo that is displayed before the movie proper? For example, Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow let their logos go green for The Matrix.

How to find agency responsible for a web site?

seeminglee — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 07:25:53 -0800

Which interactive agency is responsible for designing adobe.com? And ultimately, what is the best way to find out who did what? I haven't been able to come up with a good query for these kinds of searches, and I thought that there *has* to be some kind of database online which shows agency-client line-ups. You'd think that these things would show up in AdAge's DataCenter but it does not - or perhaps I've missed it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Get Me The Skype Out Of Here!

Spurious — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 08:01:42 -0800

What can I do with $50 worth of Skype Credits? (other than make calls) About two years ago I purchased $60 in Skype credits so I could talk to my wife overseas. However, we found cheaper/better ways to communication and did not use all the Skype Credits.

Today I have around $50 in Skype Credits sitting in my account. Skype credits void if left unused for 180 days, so every month or so I have to make a quick long distance telephone call (usually to the KLM ticketing booth in Geneva airport, simply because I already have the number) in order to reset the 180 day counter.

I want to get rid of these credits once and for all. Other than making long distance telephone calls, what else can I do with $50 in Skype Credits? Can I buy something material (headphones etc...)? Can I just ask for a check?

Thanks!

Should I stay or should I go? (Education remix)

abkadefgee — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:16:43 -0800

Should I try something new and transfer to a new school for a year, or should I stick around the same old school and raise my GPA enough to graduate? I've spent far too long at a state school in the city where I've lived most of my life and received grades that range from A+ in difficult classes to F in a simple class where I just didn't complete my work. In the process, I've banked a lot of credits and the only obstacle to my graduation is raising my GPA a few points and finishing two last required courses.

Despite arriving as a National Merit Scholar, enrolled in the honors program, I've had too many semesters where I utterly lacked motivation due to factors such as depression, major life traumas, projects which distracted me from schoolwork, and a simple failure to manage my time effectively. These have dragged my GPA way, way down.

In a few weeks, I'll finish an important project and I'll need to make a new decision about school.

I've considered transferring to another school which might inspire me more than the one I've attended, shaking up my world, living in a new place, and enjoying the prospect of a fresh start on my GPA, but I'm not sure where I should go or what the chances are that I would be admitted.

So, if any of you have any experience in admissions or in going through this decision making process for yourself...

Does it seem reasonable or possible that I could finish up as a transfer student at a decent school, in just one year, with a fresh GPA?

Or is the best path to just stay where I'm at, perform excellently in my classes, and finish where I started?

Need roadmap in vector format.

signal — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:28:35 -0800

I need to download a digital version of a road map (think AAA), at a fairly high resolution. Would be really nice if it (a) didn't have any text or (b) was in a vector format (Illustrator, Freehand, etc.) where I could delete/turn off the text. Need this for the end credits of a film. I'll replace the map's texts with the actor's names, etc., which is why I need the map sans text. Illustrator or Freehand road-map-like linetypes/symbols would also be helpful.

Film Credits Tech?

signal — Tue, 27 May 2008 09:42:21 -0800

A director friend asked me to design the opening and closing credits for her upcoming film. Please school me on the technical aspects. She shot the film in HD Digital. She's editing in 1440 x 1080, but the final version will be 1920x1080.
I am familiar with Premiere (teach a class on it, in fact), but she says AfterEffects is the weapon of choice for credits (is it?). I'm fine with learning AE, if necessary.
I have no previous film-related experience, just Flash/Mutlimedia stuff.
I have various PCs lying around the house, no Macs, alas.
The film's a small production, I don't know if I'll be paid. We're precisely 8983 Km from Hollywood.

Questions:
What software should I use for this?
What format should I ask her for?
What should I export to give back to her?
What other technical questions do I need to ask her or her editor?

Bonus questions:
Is there some sort of online tutorial or bible or something-you-must-read/watch for aspiring film credits designers?

Name for the scene at the end of a movie--post credits

ColdChef — Tue, 06 May 2008 05:04:13 -0800

Is there a name for the small scene that comes at the end of a film--after the credits? Two summer movies I've seen so far have a scene after the credits. When did this start? The first one I can remember is Ferris Bueller admonishing the audience to go home, because the film is over. Is there a website that keeps track of this?

Identify photos in the "Law and Order" opening credits?

tew — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:59:08 -0800

The opening credits to "Law and Order" are made out of photographs, some of the cast, and others of police and courtroom scenes. Are any of the "real life" photographs famous for reasons other than being part of this credit sequence? What are they, and where can I find them? I'm especially interested in the photo of the guy (attorney?) pointing in a courtroom. It usually appears right after the American flag in the intro. I also saw it in a frame on Jack McCoy's wall in the episode "Bodies".

Is Michael Lost?

fiTs — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 18:18:01 -0800

Where is Michael on TV's Lost? Harold Perrineau, who plays Michael on TV's Lost, is listed in the credits for the latest episode of the show, "The Constant," but he never actually appears on screen, does he? Why do you think that is?

Why do cinematographers have their credentials listed in movie credits?

peacay — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 05:39:34 -0800

In movie credits, why is it that only the cinematographer or perhaps film editor have their credentials listed? I can't even remember the acronyms, although I think one is A.C.E..
Is this just a tradition or a legal requirement or......am I mistaken??

Batman TV fonts?

NewGear — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 13:35:01 -0800

Looking for a font similar to the one used in the 1966 Adam-West-era Batman tv show opening credits; any ideas? So I'm in the preliminary stages of a little fan film project, and would like to do some opening credits in the style of the old Batman series. I'm guessing the original credits were done by hand as needed, but thought somebody might have created an homage font or that something similar existed out there. Anybody know of something like this?

Here's some samples:
The top of this page has examples from the standard opening of the show.

And here's one from the beginning of the episode (after the opening credits). It looks slightly more refined, and I'm thinking it might actually be closer to a standard font. (Maybe.)

I've tried Identifont and come up empty. Am also planning to hit some Batman fan forums, but thought I'd start here with my AskMeFi buddies.

As inevitable as death…

NotMyselfRightNow — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 13:25:33 -0800

Recommendations on a good online summary/overview of educational tax credits and deductions in the US? Some details: I’m an adult, living in Mass, working full time and attending grad school. Expenses are tuition, books, supplies, etc. I’m just looking to get an idea of what (if any) of my expenses might work in my favor come 15 April. And yes, I know you’re not my tax professional, and I should talk to a tax professional. I will, but want to do some homework ahead of time. Thanks!

How did movie titles used to work?

punkfloyd — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 14:00:08 -0800

Before the advent of computer generated graphics, how were elaborate opening titles and scrolling movie credits created for films? What techniques were used to generate the transitioning/rolling text and how were they layered on top of opening/ending sequences?

Rock Bottom

Anonymous — Mon, 21 May 2007 11:00:28 -0800

How can I feel better about grades when they're said and done? This semester was a rough one, with relationships, too many credits, and lots of other responsibilities. The result is basically a B/B- average when I usually maintain a 3.5 - so my overall GPA is dropping 0.1 or more. I know, things could be worse, I guess. But it is still a massive hit to go from a 3.51 to a 3.3 something in one semester (halfway through college). It kills me, really. I can't get the semester dropped or anything, because I wasn't clinically depressed - basically, I had some relationship foibles (well, a relationship ended) around midterms, leaving me with some Cs and Ds which destroyed my chances of a great semester. I did what I could to make things better and I might avoid Cs in end of semester grades.

I'm already thinking about taking fewer classes next semester and getting a 3.8+ or something. But it's the summer, so I can't see myself making any progress for a while. Is there anything I can/should do? Also, how much impact does GPA have on life, you think? Having a 3.0 or lower GPA for one semester? I'm rather scared by things with permanent impact, and this seems to be one of them.

Replacement for nerve.com?

lalochezia — Sun, 25 Sep 2005 00:40:01 -0800

OnlineDatingFilter: Nerve.com personals was once great. Now it sucks. Any suggestions for replacing a once-great source of intelligent singles with a dating site that actually has a client base that has a nominal number of people worthwhile courting? Nerve.com personals was once a source of people that wrote "self actualised prose" (i.e. had a brain and wern't afraid to show it) and were generally funky and interesting.

match.com, jdate.com, lavalife.com and craigslist all have flaws in their membership, drawing far too heavily from people who don't write interesting things about themselves.

[note this doesn't mean the members of these sites aren't interesting people, but how is one meant to filter the vast number of people out there down to a few that are worth courting? Answer - what they write]

Basically nerve.com used to let you search for free, and spend $1 to send an email. This meant that unless you were rich and stupid, you put some effort into the message for the person you were trying to woo.

Now, they have removed the credit system, replacing it with a subscription system at $25 p/m for unlimited emails.

This does 2 things:
1) Makes people send hundereds of emails to get their $$ worth, increasing the likelihood that your well crafted missive will be ignored

2) They have removed basic features from people who don't use the subscriber model. Most sites let you search based on distance from your geographical area. At the new Fast Cupid (the people who spring street networks have sold their soul to), you have to be a subscriber to make that basic search. They've cripled the site for people who aren't on the monthly subscription service.

Bah! Suggestions?

I've tried writing to the 'help desk', as have hundreds of other dissatisfied customers, but no joy.

Reducing The Cost of Increasing Ones Milage

philmas — Fri, 26 Aug 2005 18:13:23 -0800

Are there any Federal tax credits or financial incentives (aside from the savings of minimizing fillup frequency) for buying a fuel efficient vehicle? The additional cost for the cars I've been looking at with high efficiency engines would take me roughly 3 years to break even (making a few assumptions about the cost of fuel, etc.). I'm looking for ways to soften the blow.

Why do films & TV programmes have credit sequences?

ajbattrick — Fri, 25 Feb 2005 04:26:28 -0800

Why do films & TV programmes have credit sequences? I don't get a list of nut & bolt technicians, headlamp designers or airbag testers when I buy a car, so why do I need to be told who pulled the focus, who was an electrician, who swept the floor when I am watching a film or TV programme?

Who offers perks for logo wear?

clever sheep — Wed, 08 Dec 2004 14:45:56 -0800

Does anyone work for (or know of) an employer who offers "credits" for good performance that can then be redeemed in the company e-store for logo wear? Any info is good info. Thanks!