January 14, 2006
-
Betty Boop Dreams
I'm in the midst of creating two MikeVideo Internet Movies. The first "DooDah", is a series of images of the bands, comic drill teams and groups in the Pasadena Doo Dah parade, shot in November. It will be about 5 or 6 minutes in length. The second is something I just cooked up yesterday, and I've been working on it today. I was fiddling around with some of the effects on the Pinnacle Studio 9.4 software, and learned how to insert chroma keyed images and animate them. My first video to showcase this type of footage will be "Betty Boop Dreams", which I will also stream from the main page of the Betty Boop Pages site when it is finished.
In honor of this new project, I'm playing Cab Calloway's "Minnie the Moocher" on Jukebox this Week, and I'm posting a few of the completed images from the video and also some of the images from the photo shoot. First is the opening shot of "Betty Boop Dreams", with Betty dolled up in her pink "Jackie O" suit walking down Main Street in Disneyland. The background footage, for the most part, will come from already existing footage I've shot over the years. It's a slow process to "find" a suitable image that mates with the Betty Boop figure.
Instead of going for a ballroom, or one of the furniture rooms at the Getty, as I did for a composite I featured with this figure, I opted to have Betty "stroll" through a jungle like background, shot at the Arboretum.
The video already has a half a dozen "shots" with a Betty figurine superimposed over background footage. I'm using the song "Dreamer" by Supertramp on the working print, but might change the music. There will probably be some Cab Calloway or Louis Armstrong on the soundtrack, due to the importance of music to the original Betty Boop cartoons, specifically Cab Calloway. Here is one of the figurines shot in front of a neutral background.
After the image is in the computer, I mask out the background, and instead insert a digital green screen, which doesn't show on the matte in the video. This is almost like they do it in the movies for those really expensive CGI shots. I can composite moving video, and I even have a "green screen" matte I can hang on the wall from an earlier computer program, but for this first project, I'm going to mainly use still photos of the figurines.
This is a model car about 9 inches long shot to make it appear full size and driving straight at the camera.
This is a frame grab from some footage shot in my media room last year. I noticed about 10 minutes worth of "Betty Shots" on one of my digital tapes, where I had used my bigscreen television as the neutral matte. The shot above is just taken in my room, but I liked the composition.
Here is one of the figurines from the "Betty Riders" series, angled low, and with the figurine sitting in front of a neutral background. In the movie, Betty will appear to be riding her bike down the highway.
Since there was some interesting video of Spike frolicking about, I thought I'd close with some images of Spike taken as screen grabs with my video program. Here Spike is lying on my bed. It looks like she's ready to attack.
Another Spike photo opportunity, and below is one of the many full moons I have shot over the past two years with my digital videocamera. I don't know when I'll be "finished" with "Betty Boop Dreams" but if anybody is wondering why I am not posting as many blog entries, and/or commenting lately, I mentioned in my last "News and Notes" that I'm doing other things of a creative nature on the computer at home which is cutting down my blogging time for now.
The image of Betty's head in the "Betty Boop Dreams" title card is an original I created in the Windows Draw program. The figure reclining in her nighty is an original from Rita's Betty Boop Site. All rights reserved. Betty is a copyrighted image by King Features Syndicate.
EDIT/UPDATE: 5:00 p.m. pst. Well, I've finished the movie. It's 3:38 long and includes both "animated" sequences and some stills of my composites, screen captures, and other Betty Boop images. You can CLICK HERE to get to my YouTube page, which should have the link at the top when it's finished processing, under the name "Betty Boop Dreams". I must admit that I'm posing the link before the processing is finshed, so chances are it won't be there yet. I like the movie, myself. It only took me two days to "construct" this latest MikeVideo.
Comments (110)
great pics. Betty Boop is awesome. The pics of spike are really good, cute cat. I love pictures of fool moons. I "dig" the background music, lol. Hope all is well. peace out and take care. autumn
My daughter plays piano in a Jazz ensembel at school. she plays this stuff
I love the creative shots of Betty. very nice!!
Spike looks like a sweetie. I bet she is a lovable kitty
I hope you are having a spiff week-end
Man, this world needs more jazz.
Hello Mike
I can't wait for the videos. The Betty Boop one is going to be amazing. We are all here waiting in anticipation. LOL
Hugs
Kat
No wonder you are busy! How amazing that all of that can be created by an individual in their home! (As long as they have the knowledge, the time, the equipment, and the drive to do it!)
Have fun!:coolman:
I absolutely love Cab Calloway's music. Plus... it's one of the best bits in a movie, to see him perform in the Blues Brothers....
WOW you are a busy fellow. I bet it turns out great. Enjoy your creative process.
You appear to be on an excellent roll with the profile pics, as you are once again smiling. It would appear that you have just learned that your drivers license has once again been renewed automatically, a good fortune I share with you. The two paintbrushes behind you would suggest you are going to switch from photography to painting. You will then, however, need to switch to morose, brooding profile pics.
Sorry, guess I'm not in the commenting mood, I thought I might try.
Dang I wish I had time to do sumthin' like that.
For some strange reason i've always HATED Betty Boop, but that cartoon you did reminds me of something i did on Super 8
Betty Boop lives on. Now that song is not #1 on today's hit parade. Oh, I don't think they say hit parade anymore either.
Hi Mike. Thanks for stopping by. I was busy posting when you stopped by. Sorry I missed you. I had a nice dinner all prepared. I am a pretty good cook so you just missed it. LOL Hope you have a wonderful week.
Kat
I liked it..that was great...i love that song
Wow I am certainly impressed. You have some super sweet skills there. I am new here so I am wondering how you acquired your film-knowledge. I have always wanted to do something in film. My last two bf's were both filmmakers. Unfortunately I am wrapped up right now in a transitional period where I have to learn some basic skills (like driving). But eventually I'll get back to my art. Anyway, I didn't check the footage for fear my computer will crash...lol. It's very delicate. But I may venture in when I have a moment. The Boop movie process that you posted was really interesting and of course I LOVED the song...! woohoo!
a "body shot" is nothing bad. It's mainly done when you drink tequila. You can do it on yourself even. What you do is decide who you want to do the body shot on, then you get their neck wet and pour sat on it. Then they hold a lime in their mouth. What you do is lick the salt off their neck, take the shot, and then take the lime out of their teeth with your mouth.
I vow right now never to drink like that again. I didn't get a hangover the next or anything (I actually felt fine), but I could still smell and taste the tequila. Oh man, it was bad. lol.
Yeah, company is nice when you go to the movies, but I do enjoy going by myself. I don't have to worry about what time the other people are going to get there. I can get there as early as I want and so forth. I hope everything is going well for you. Peace out and take care.
autumn
:goodjob: WOW...I enjoy just keeping your site on to hear that great music. You know, I think that music is enjoyed by every age group (which in itself is amazing!) I love Betty Boop....
Most of what you describe doing is way above me so I'll just enjoy the results. Thanks for stopping by to say "HI"!:wave:
:giggle:
Yes, I'll admit my past pet sagas are rather long but...I don't apologize for them since I did it not only for myself but for the my kids. I think they both enjoy those remembrances and....I am so enthused about pets(animals and nature...) I like your pic of Spike. He looks very serious minded.:spinning:
I just watched Betty Boop Dreams. Very nice. Very nice indeed. I think the Golden Globes missed a winner.
Jeff
Positively Like always I must be true you should be completely proper
limousine service los angeles | airport limousine services | rosary bead bracelet
Thanks so much for the article, quite effective information.
have a look | blog | my blog
Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed!
I care for such info a lot.
Extremely useful info specially the last part
I was looking for this certain info for a very long time.
Thank you and good luck.
I am in fact grateful to the holder of this web site who has shared this enormous article
at here.
I simply couldn't depart your web site before suggesting that I extremely loved the usual info an individual provide to your
visitors? Is going to be again regularly in order to check up on new posts
What's up, just wanted to say, I liked this article.
It was practical. Keep on posting!
Having read this I believed it was very informative.
I appreciate you spending some time and effort to put this short article
together. I once again find myself personally spending a significant
amount of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!
With havin so much content and articles do you ever
run into any problems of plagorism or copyright violation? My site has a lot of unique
content I've either authored myself or outsourced but it looks like a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my permission. Do you know any methods to help reduce content from being ripped off?
I'd definitely appreciate it.
Aw, this was an extremely good post. Finding the time and actual effort to generate a
superb article… but what can I say… I put things off a
lot and never manage to get anything done.
It is perfect time to make some plans for the future and it's time to be happy.
I've read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you few
interesting things or suggestions. Perhaps you could write
next articles referring to this article.
I want to read more things about it!
Good post. I will be going through a few of these issues as well..
The other day, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iPad and
tested to see if it can survive a 30 foot drop, just
so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now broken and she has 83
views. I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it with
someone!
Everything is very open with a really clear clarification of the issues.
It was definitely informative. Your site is extremely helpful.
Thanks for sharing!
That is a great tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere.
Short but very precise info… Thanks for sharing this one.
A must read post!
With havin so much written content do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright violation?
My site has a lot of unique content I've either authored myself or outsourced but it seems a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without
my authorization. Do you know any solutions to help protect against content from being ripped off?
I'd genuinely appreciate it.
This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger.
I've joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking
more of your great post. Also, I have shared your website in my social networks!
Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something.
I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit, but
other than that, this is excellent blog. A great read.
I will certainly be back.
Hey there just wanted to give you a quick heads up.
The text in your post seem to be running off the screen in Chrome.
I'm not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do with
internet browser compatibility but I thought I'd post to let you know.
The style and design look great though! Hope you get the issue resolved soon. Cheers
This is really attention-grabbing, You're a very professional blogger.
I have joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking extra of your excellent post.
Also, I have shared your site in my social networks
Hi, I do believe this is an excellent blog. I stumbledupon it
I may come back yet again since i have saved as a favorite it.
Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and
continue to help others.
I'm pretty pleased to discover this page. I wanted to thank you
for ones time due to this wonderful read!! I definitely savored every part of it and
I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff on your blog.
Hello, always i used to check webpage posts here in the early hours in the break of day, for the reason that i like to find out more and more.
Hi there! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with us so I came to take a look.
I'm definitely loving the information. I'm book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers!
Outstanding blog and great design.
You ought to take part in a contest for one of the greatest websites online.
I will highly recommend this blog!
Spot on with this write-up, I truly believe this web site needs far more attention. I'll probably be returning to see more, thanks for
the info!
I'm no longer certain where you are getting your info, however great topic.
I must spend some time studying more or working out
more. Thank you for excellent information I was looking for this info for my mission.
Hello, its fastidious article concerning media print, we all be
familiar with media is a great source of facts.
Hi there, I want to subscribe for this web site to
obtain latest updates, so where can i do it please assist.
Quality articles or reviews is the secret to interest the visitors to visit the web site,
that's what this web site is providing.
hi!,I love your writing so a lot! percentage we keep up a correspondence more approximately your article on AOL?
I need a specialist in this space to solve my problem.
May be that is you! Taking a look forward to look you.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about prednisone.
Regards
It's amazing in favor of me to have a web site, which is valuable in support of my
knowledge. thanks admin
If some one wishes to be updated with hottest technologies after that he must be
visit this web site and be up to date everyday.
Yesterday, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iPad and tested to see if
it can survive a 40 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now destroyed and
she has 83 views. I know this is completely off topic but I had to share it with someone!
Very rapidly this web site will be famous amid all blogging and
site-building users, due to it's fastidious articles
I have read so many content about the blogger lovers however this post is genuinely a good post, keep it up.
Hello! Quick question that's totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile
friendly? My blog looks weird when viewing from my apple iphone.
I'm trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to fix this issue.
If you have any recommendations, please share. With
thanks!
Somebody essentially assist to make seriously articles I
would state. That is the very first time I frequented
your web page and thus far? I amazed with the analysis you
made to make this actual put up extraordinary.
Fantastic job!
Great article, just what I was looking for.
If some one wants expert view concerning running a blog after that i advise him/her
to pay a visit this weblog, Keep up the good job.
Hey there are using WordPress for your blog platform? I'm new to the
blog world but I'm trying to get started and set up my own. Do you need any coding knowledge to make your own blog?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Hi my family member! I wish to say that this article is amazing, nice written and come
with almost all important infos. I would like to see extra posts like
this .
Your style is really unique compared to other folks I've read stuff
from. I appreciate you for posting when you've got the opportunity, Guess I'll just book mark this page.
Thanks for your marvelous posting! I seriously enjoyed reading it, you can be
a great author. I will be sure to bookmark your blog and
definitely will come back someday. I want to encourage yourself to
continue your great job, have a nice weekend!
It iis truly a great and useful piece of info. I'm glad that you simply
shared this helpful information with us. Please stay
us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
That is very fascinating, You are an overly professional blogger.
I've joined your rss feed and stay up for searching for
extra of your wonderful post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks
Hi my friend! I wish to say that this post is amazing, great written and include approximately all vital infos.
I'd like to see more posts like this .
I like it when people get together and share ideas.
Great site, keep it up!
I think the admin of this web site is genuinely working hard for his web page, as here every stuff is quality
based material.
Hello every one, here every person is sharing these knowledge,
so it's good to read this webpage, and I used to visit this webpage everyday.
Thanks for finally talking about >Betty Boop Dreams | WhenWordsCollide
<Liked it!
Unquestionably believe that which you said. Your
favorite justification seemed to be on the internet the easiest thing to be aware of.
I say to you, I certainly get irked while people consider worries that
they plainly don't know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the whole thing
without having side effect , people could take a signal.
Will probably be back to get more. Thanks
I am really enjoying the theme/design of your site.
Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility issues?
A number of my blog readers have complained about my site not working correctly in Explorer but looks
great in Chrome. Do you have any ideas to help fix this issue?
Very energetic article, I loved that bit.
Will there be a part 2?
What's up, all is going sound here and ofcourse every one is sharing facts, that's really good, keep up writing.
For the reason that the admin of this web page is working, no question very quickly it will
be renowned, due to its quality contents.
I know this site presents quality based posts and extra
data, is there any other website which gives these data in quality?
Truly when someone doesn't be aware of after that its up to other people that they
will assist, so here it occurs.
Hello there! I just wish to offer you a big thumbs up
for the excellent info you have got right here on this post.
I will be coming back to your site for more soon.
This paragraph offers clear idea in support of the new viewers of blogging, that truly how to do blogging and site-building.
This is a great tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere.
Simple but very precise information… Thanks for sharing this one.
A must read article!
Hi there, I found your site via Google while looking for a related subject, your
web site came up, it seems good. I've bookmarked it in my google
bookmarks.
Hi there, simply was alert to your weblog through Google, and
located that it's really informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels.
I will appreciate in case you proceed this in future. Many people shall be benefited out of your writing.
Cheers!
I just like the helpful information you provide on your articles.
I'll bookmark your blog and test again right here regularly.
I am quite certain I'll learn many new stuff proper here!
Best of luck for the next!
Aw, this was a really good post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to produce a very
good article… but what can I say… I put things off a whole lot and never manage to get nearly
anything done.
Undeniably believe that which you said. Your favorite justification seemed to be on the
web the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you,
I definitely get annoyed while people consider worries that they plainly
do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out
the whole thing without having side-effects , people can take a signal.
Will likely be back to get more. Thanks
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to assert that I get in fact enjoyed
account your blog posts. Any way I'll be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you
access consistently fast.
Having read this I believed it was very enlightening.
I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this
informative article together. I once again find
myself spending a lot of time both reading and leaving comments.
But so what, it was still worth it!
Hi, this weekend is nice in support of me, because this occasion i am reading this
great educational paragraph here at my residence.
Hi there! Do you use Twitter? I'd like to follow you if that would be okay.
I'm undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look forward to
new updates.
I do consider all of the concepts you've offered in your post.
They are really convincing and will certainly work. Nonetheless, the
posts are very short for novices. May just you please extend them a little from next time?
Thanks for the post.
Type in the name you want for the Windows Live ID. How to Report
Fraud to Hotmail; How do I Sign Up for.
Thanks for sharing your info. I truly appreciate your efforts and I will be waiting ffor your further wrdite ups thanks
once again.
I'm gone to inform my little brother, that he should also go to
seee this blog on regular basis to get updated from most recent news
update.
Great blog here! Alsso your web site loads up very fast!
What host are you using? Can I get yyour affiliate link to your host?
I wish my site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
What's uup mates, its fantastic pparagraph about teachingand entirely defined, keep it up all the time.
Hmm it lioks ljke your site ate my first comment (it
was super long) so I guess I'll jut sum it up what I submitted and
say, I'm thoroughly enjoying your blog. I tooo am an aspiring blog
writer but I'm still new to everything. Do you havfe
any tips for beginner blog writers? I'd really
appreciate it.
I'm impressed, I must say. Rarely do I come across a blog that's both educative and
interesting, and without a doubt, you have hit
the nail oon the head. The problem is an issue that not enough men and women are speaking intelligently about.
Now i'm very happy that I stumbled across this in my hunt for something regarding this.
I got this website from my friend who shared with me regarding this website
and now this time I am browsing this site and reading very informative posts at this place.
Hello there, I discovered your blog by means of Google while looking for a related subject,
your web site came up, it appears to be like good. I've bookmarked it in my google
bookmarks.
Hi there, simply turned into alert to your weblog through Google, and found that it is truly informative.
I'm gonna be careful for brussels. I will appreciate in the event you continue this in future.
Lots of folks can be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
Good post. I learn something totally new andd challenging
on sites I stumbleupon everyday. It's always useful to read through content from other authors and practice something from their web sites.
Greetings from Ohio! I'm bored to tears at work so I decided to check out your blog on my iphone during lunch
break. I really like the info you provide here and can't wait to
take a look when I get home. I'm amazed at how quick your blog loaded on my phone ..
I'm not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow,
fantastic blog!
I do not even know how I endedd up right here, but I thought thiis submit was great.
I don't know who you are however definitely you're going to a well-known blogger for
those who are nnot already. Cheers!
Hi there! Do you use Twitter? I'd like to follow
you if hat would be ok. I'm absolutely enjoying your blog
and look forward to new updates.
You haave made some decent points there. I checked on thhe web for additional information about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this web site.
Hi my family member! I wish to say that this article iss amazing, nice written and include almost all significant infos.
I'd like to see more posts like this .
When some one searches for his essential thing, so he/she wishes to be available that in detail, so that thing is mauntained over here.
This design is spectacular! You obviously know how to keep a reader entertained.
Between yokur wit and your videos, I wass almost moved to
start my own blog (well, almost...HaHa!) Fantastic job.
I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how
you presented it. Too cool!
I am really impeessed along with your wrioting skills aand also with the format on your
weblog. Is thqt this a paid subject matter or did you modify
it yourself? Either way stay up the nice quality writing,
it is uncommon to peer a nice weblog like
this one these days..
Appreciate this post. Leet me try itt out.
Yoour mode of tellingg everything in this paragraph is truly good, every one be able to wthout difficulty know it, Thanks a lot.
It's a shame you don't hazve a donate button! I'd without
a doubt donate to this outstajding blog! I guess for now i'll settle for book-marking and addding your RSS feed to my Google
account. I look forward to fresh upldates and will share this blog with my Facebook group.
Chat soon!