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DVD

3d Stop Motion Camera

Oct 13th, 2009
by rich.
6 comments

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Last Wednesday, Spiral and I had a thrilling opportunity. We got to shoot video footage with a 3d stop motion camera. This is essentially the same setup used for the Matrix when Trinity jumps in the air, freezing in position while the camera rotates around. We’re very excited and curious to see what the footage looks like. Although it might be challenging to edit it into the Hoop Technique DVD, we’re hoping that the footage will be usable. If not, we’re going to have some dope YouTube clips :)

The setup consisted of 1 Canon 5d Mark II shooting video footage and 36 Canon Rebels mounted on an 18ft semi circle, each shooting a still image simultaneously. The team working on the footage has created software that automatically combines all the still images into a video clip. This clip can then be edited in with the footage from the 5d.

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The effect that can theoretically be achieved is like this scene from the Matrix. Skip to :44 to see the jump.

What may be very interesting about the footage is that both fire and led leave tracers in an image. You can see the persistent image of an antispin flower in the image below. All of the Canon Rebel still cameras were set to 1 sec exposure meaning we were leaving a lot of trails. If all goes as planed we will appear to freeze in a 3d cloud of tracers as the camera rotates around us.

The entire setup is still pretty experimental so no one really knows if we got anything usable. We’re crossing our fingers that everything went as planned. I’m sure whatever comes of it will be very interesting.

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Sending a big thanks to Dai for the images and Tuana for the unbelievable opportunity to shoot with this camera setup.

Hoop Technique DVD!!! Making of & Screenshots

Oct 7th, 2009
by rich.
1 comment

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It has now been officially announced and I am stoked! Spiral and I are making an instructional DVD together. I could not be happier with who I am working with. I have such a deep admiration for Spiral’s skills as a performer, technician, and instructor. All modesty aside, this will be a groundbreaking project.

This project started strangely enough on Jewel’s and Scotts front porch during the Hoop Path Retreat. After a few drinks sitting with just Spiral and I, Scott suggested we make a DVD together. I glanced up at Spiral mildly inquisitive and there was a glimmer of possibility in her eye. A few weeks later I gave her a call and here we are today.

Months of planning have gone into the DVD already and we have been dumping our whole into the project since our first shoot at Burning Man. I can tell you, making a DVD is no small or inexpensive task. With me working a full time job and Spiral continuing with her intense performance and training schedule, it has definitely been a lot of work.

The heat really turned up right before HoopCamp. I spent a week getting up at sunrise to shoot through the golden hour of light at sunrise, rushing to work at nine, working a full day, then rushing directly from work to shoot video through the golden hour of light at sunset. Combine that with prepping for my workshop, isopop.com, and other projects as well, it was intense.

The website is now up. I just updated it with screenshots from Shakti Sunfire’s performance, view that here. Shakti is one of the featured performers on the DVD. More exciting updates to come as time permits.

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This Thursday evening, Spiral, Lauren and I are having dinner with one of the musicians providing some of the soundtrack. We have high hopes for the DVD soundtrack and are really excited to be working with some very talented artist. If you made it to The Spin Cycle jam you’ve had a taste of what may be to come. More in store…

Hoopdance Evolution: Intermediate One Trailer

Jun 17th, 2009
by rich.
2 comments


Here is the new HoopGirl DVD trailer. There is a short snippet of me at :56.

Available now at www.HoopGirl.com! This is the hoopdance instructional DVD you have been waiting for! Begin with a blindfolded warm-up to build kinesthetic intelligence. Next, learn 20 new intermediate level moves with detailed studio instruction, featuring slow motion and close-ups. Includes lush costumed performances around scenic San Francisco on rooftops, in alleys and at historic landmarks. Performance segments feature fantastic costumes and MTV style editing. A mesmerizing soundtrack by Shaman’s Dream and Desert Dwellers. 96 minute playtime

Hoopdance Evolution Intermediate DVD, Volume 1

Apr 14th, 2009
by rich.
No comments yet

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The HoopGirl Evolution DVD is out! The DVD contains a “performance Jam by Rich to show you that yes, men do hoop too.” It was so much fun to shoot this with Christabel, Annie, and Chika.
DVD order: here

Hoop Path: The First Steps DVD

Nov 11th, 2008
by rich.
No comments yet

The Hoop Path has been incredibly influential in the hooping community and within my own practice.  The recently released “Hoop Path: The First Steps” DVD is a great contribution to the hooping community, making Hoop Path practice and terminology accessible to everyone.  The DVD is intended for beginners but hooper’s of all skill level would benefit from a familiarity with this influential practice.

You can find “Hoop Path: The First Steps” at the Hoop Path website.