- 16,736
- Southampton, UK
- Pebb--
- Pebb
TVR&FF: "Ok this edition of the interview, will contain someone who has built up rep very fast over the years he has been in the Photomode from producing cracking and reliable pieces, and this person is Franz.
But Franz is known to people, as nice pieces of work, however to me he is someone who made me start work on my own Photomode shots, so when I heard people wanted him to be interviewed I jumped at the chance.
So lets say, welcome to the dark deep dark room....no what am I saying welcome to this interview stage Franz."
*Franz enters*
TVR&FF: "Ok Franz, please tell the nice people, all about yourself and a "bit of personal info on you, like age and so on."
Franz: "My real name is Francis Lai. I live in the capital city of Canada, Ottawa in other word, probably not many people know that, I was born in Hong Kong and I am Chinese. Now I am 28, on my final stage of my study of psychology, but I am heading to graphic design genre job when I am done with school. Maybe take some graphic design course in near future."
TVR&FF: "I like the Lai bit, but does Lai mean you have a hidden Lair, where you bring out Photomode shots."
*Franz Laughs and then goes "Maybe"*
TVR&FF: "However with you being 28, you have seen a lot of the gaming market grow and grow, till it's got to the stage of Billions of pounds/dollars cost stage, In other words C64, yes I said C64, but you must have enjoyed the racing games on C64."
Franz: "Actually I didn't touch any games until GT2 was released. Only did some PC gaming in early 90's
but I am not gaming freak after all."
TVR&FF: "But I bet you wish you did not start at GT2 old chap, because you could of played games before GT2 like the old Test Drive and Outrun.
Franz: "Some old games are really nice. I was a big fan of outrun series. I wish I can still play them in any arcade shop in my city"
TVR&FF: "Ah the Arcades, a lot of youth there for me, like when I went to my family to get extra pennies to play even more."
Franz: "Yes true! Very expensive especially if you love racing games, it only lasts you 5 minutes of fun. But this is also the reason I started to adapt to console."
TVR&FF: "However while on this subject of gaming, I can see GT5 being one of the first true 10/10 games on PS3. But we must be ready in case anything goes wrong like delays, however delays can be fun, since it improves the game.
On the other hand if GT5 turned out to be the worst GT game in history, would you need to have reasons to get it? But I bet this will not happen, however Magazines will play a big part in this, since game developers and publishers live and die on reviews from magazines."
Franz: "The GT series have been expanded its audience. Look at how they advertise and associate with manufacturers. I think there are lots of fans out there waiting for the new addition of GT series, even it is bad or multi-transaction kind of rubbish, people will still be buying it."
TVR&FF: "But still people will need to read reviews of all manner and print. However if people want the best reviews, I reckon Magazines are the main ones for people, not only are they published really well, but they help decide a buy."
Franz: "You're right about the magazine play the major part, they control the media. However it also means there is a chance they are GT fans that bias their review. How about the demo?
It works for me to consider buying the game or not."
TVR&FF: "Anyway lets fire away this first question, but that does not mean you have got away from the chat side of things for this interview. This question comes in from Drift2XS, and here it is." Do you get inspiration for your shots and style? If so where?
Franz: "I love automotive photography since I was a kid. This is a reason I have started to collect car magazines since I was 9 years old. Throughout my teenage period, I learned a lot cool angles and style from magazines. Today I don't buy magazines like before because of the Internet, and I often check out seriouswheel.com and other car wallpaper website. They are my major source for inspiration.
However when I prepare for photomode tournament, I use my own creativity. Usually think ahead the composition (including car choice and location), then turn on my GT4 and go get the exact shot from my head."
TVR&FF: "Let me guess you mainly like car photos when you were young, because they were like porn for some cars. Just like old cars in your youth, like the Muria or the Countach.
But still classic cars have always been filth and porn in a good way to me, like the old E-Type and its engine."
*Franz laughs, and then goes on to say, Exactly... the countach was my favourite porn star when I was a kid."*
TVR&FF: "But when you had the posters up, what did you family say when they saw that porn up on your wall. However I bet they said something like this:
"Pull that down, because if youre Nan, sees that she will not be able to look you in the eyes again."
Franz: "My family didn't know I was looking porn, they thought I was looking comic or some sort."
TVR&FF: "They should know better Classic cars are stronger porn then Human porn. But it is a shame some of the modem cars cannot make that happen, unless you are talking about Alfa Romeo to most.
However if you have any children, did you not show them the Brera, because that is strong stuff for there eyes to see."
Franz: *Franz Laughs* "My kids may so get used to strong stuff, because they have my gene."
TVR&FF: "You sure, because children aren't meant to see porn, but while on the subject of classic cars, it is a shame the Photomode tournament does not have more Classic Porn like the E-Type.
But when GT5 comes out, the E-Type classic porn may be to strong for Jordon to keep it up, since GT5 is most likely going to have better Engine design."
Franz: "LOL...who knows, we'll see"
TVR&FF: "Those head gaskets will be to strong, but at least GT4, does not have any of the current crop of ugly Korean cars out there. But I know some are nice, but there is one model I cannot remember at the moment, but it is so ugly, it is worst then the Fiat Multipla."
Franz: "Some new Lancia's are pretty bad ... I think Korean cars are real bad in their 90's. However I like the new Hyundai's. Let's hope we never see a china car on the street. They are just more terrible than we can imagine!"
TVR&FF: "Anyway before people start to get more nightmares about ugly cars, lets get onto the 2nd question.
This question comes in from Speedster502, who asks this." What is your favourite British car to photograph and why?
TVR&FF: "Oh now the Car porn may return."
Franz: "TVR Tuscan in GT4. I love the paint so much and it stands out from the crowd. If I can pick a car not from GT4, Lotus 340R will be my favourite"
TVR&FF: "There are a lot of paint schemes on the Tuscan, but you should see the only true evil colour on the Sagaris in Test Drive Unlimited, with black rims. However while on the subject of TVR's, what TVR would you like to see in GT5 the most, which has not been in GT4.
But my pick would have to pick either the all new Carbon Fibre Typhoon or the Sagaris."
Franz: "True...today's TVRs are super badass. Too bad we don't have TVR in North America."
TVR&FF: "People import them, but for a huge fee, however the next owner, which could have been Al Melling's, wants TVR's to be sold in the USA by a dealer. While going back to its home, even he plans to, but I've seen some of the Griffiths's that have gone over to the US.
However you guys deserve to see its great straight Line speeds and improved handling and breaking with the current models in the USA. But at least some Left Hand Drive Sagaris's were exported to Holland."
Franz: "True. I mean we have strong economy in US/Canada. I don't see any point not exporting some great British muscle to here."
TVR&FF: "But still, what TVR would you like to see make it in GT5, that was not featured in GT4.
Franz: "The Sagaris is a must."
TVR&FF: "Now lets roll on the third question, since we have already been here for an hour, but this question comes in from Cod_Father, who must love his Cod." Do you have graphic arts training or are you self taught?
Franz: "I attended to drawing class when I was a kid. But that was the only training I had, and everything else was self taught. Anyhow I am pretty great in my art class during my elementary and high school."
TVR&FF: "I love Art, because one of my favourite hobbies, which is my backup job option, unless I do not get into Pro Football.
But I remember Art class well like you have, because I remember when I got the highest marks in a long Art Exam. However do you remember any Art Exams, which lasted for a month or more."
Franz: "I didn't have any long art exam and I wish I could. Well congrats you got top scores in your art exams."
TVR&FF: "But when you were in Art class did any people ever want you to draw them somethings, which they could keep, say a car or something."
Franz: "No, but they made me do all the drawings for group projects even the one I didn't belong. However I got some ladies' love for doing that."
TVR&FF: "I remember some girls in my class who use to ask me to draw them somethings, anyway the next question comes in from alexwrc, which is going back to your roots Franz." Why did you start to use GT4 photomode?
Franz: "I love automotive photography, there was no reason I didn't start using Photomode. When I was playing GT2 and GT3, I loved watching replays and pausing the screen at the special moments. When KY introducing Photomode, I think I may be the first person very happy about it, finally I could pause the screen and save it!"
Franz goes on to say, "Actually I love taking screenshots since I played Need For Speed 2, I even had an idea to use screenshots to create 360 degree VR presentation using flash, but removing background for each frame was too much work, so I gave up."
TVR&FF: "But at least GT4 gave you something. However do you still hope there will still be future GTHD versions out with Photomode included?
Since there was talk about this, but GT5 should take less work to edit shots. But I will find ways to make taking shots more challenging and hard, however Artists and people who want to get into Pro Sports do this."
Franz: "Absolutely! If PD not putting Photomode in GT5. I guess I have to write a petition for PD to update their software with Photomode."
TVR&FF: "Remember since the PS3 has a Hard Drive, more features will be added to games. But I bet GT5 will have it in the game from the start, I just hope they give us better transfer options, like HD setting in 720p, 1080i or 1080p (Would be like Raw), even SD settings.
However I will still select 1080p and then make it BMP, but I just hope Polyphony Digital would add other file formats like BMP, since it does not compress shots like JPEG."
Franz: "I don't think we have to worry about photomode."
TVR&FF: "But Photomode may get expanded with future patches. However, maybe Polyphony Digital may use the store to offer extra buyable features for Photomode, like lens, effects and so on. However some add-ons, would cost money, but not too much."
Franz: "I am sure Polyphony Digital will put a better Photomode in GT5, but how good it is will be the biggest question.
However speaking of buying lens! It sounds like fun! Or maybe Lens are unlocked after many photos taken."
TVR&FF: "I just hope Polyphony Digital adds the Photomode to 2 player mode, 4 player mode and maybe 7 players." *Laughs*
But Polyphony Digital should add a video recorder, and multiple cars option for Phototravel, while offering Photo Travel locations on race tracks. However Polyphony Digital must allow people to have a custom race grid option."
Franz: "Youre right! But I think Polyphony Digital should play LFS and rFactor to get some good inspiration"
TVR&FF: "However Franz do you think Polyphony Digital, should add car options for Photomode, like custom paint jobs and paint job effects like in movies with like paint changing all over the car, just like if:
Paint was getting dropped on the car from above, but the main thing is, I think Polyphony Digital should allow these car options in Photomode":
*Mix of Blurs on different parts
*Open bonnet
*Open doors and so on.
"And maybe a feature to add Custom decals from images on a Hard Drive, or build Phototravel or Tracks."
Franz: "I think the biggest disappoint in GT4 is they take away open door option. But you don't know how much I want my Toyota Sera's door open in Photomode"
TVR&FF: "Now for a question, which you saw you had to reply to, but this question is from lmracer." Whose fellow gallery do you enjoy the most?
Franz: "I'm actually inspired quite a bit from JMX, 440 and alexwrc. They are all great in my book and I enjoy them all very much."
TVR&FF: "You know Franz you were one of the people to inspire me to start my gallery in the first place."
Franz: "Thanks I am glad to inspire you to start your gallery, but don't forget we still have plenty new gallery worth watching...including yours TVR&FF."
TVR&FF: "I want to improve so much, but I know you do since everyone loves to improve in this scene. However improving is a must for everyone, since everyone is always improving so quickly."
Franz: "The best thing is our competition ... if we don't have competition, we will never learn, how to push a new limit of Photomode. The world outside GTP, like other race simulation photo editing, they aren't as good as what we see in GTP. It is a phenomenon you know!"
TVR&FF: "Anyway this question is from someone who loves his Nissan's, which is Nissan~GuruZ33 who asks this." What is your favorite editing tool? Why?
Franz: "My favourite tool is gradient mapping with overlay. I use it almost every time for tone editing. It is great way to edit white balance. However it often creates jaggies if the colour range is exaggerated. But sometimes I would use soft light mode instead."
TVR&FF: "Now comes a question from someone you have known a long time on the scene, and it is garnettrules21." Heres an easy one...about how long would you say you have worked with Photoshop?
Franz: "I have been using Photoshop about 9 years, from version 5 to current CS3 beta, but I skipped version 6-7 because I played games too much in that period. I have learned so much about Photoshop since GT4 released, but before that I used Photoshop solely for web graphics design."
TVR&FF: "At least youre be doing something new with are future joint update. But it will make you expand trust with me and improve your bond of trust and knowing people."
Franz: "True. I found myself not having many friends in GTP. However I think the joint update will be a good start."
TVR&FF: "It is also adds some extra learning."
Franz: "I may learn something from you as well."
TVR&FF: Now comes, the next question from LGforce. Have you been working with a photo editing software before you got into editing GT4 Photomode photos?
Franz: "Yes I have. I've designed graphics for website, school projects, and wallpaper. However my improving skills got myself a part time job at local newspaper. I am responsible making and editing advertisement."
TVR&FF: "Wow you must get good pay for that. But I bet your worried about papers is becoming a dying media, since most text media like Newspapers is going digital and 50% of the chance never goes back to non digital media."
Franz: "Lucky thing is the newspaper I work for is a Chinese newspaper. Many readers here are old people and new immigrants, so they have no intention to make it digital."
TVR&FF: "For the moment that is" *Thinks about the immigrants*
"But Did you know the person who played a song? Before you came on was a Polish immigrant."
*Seems Franz does not want to say anything about this*
Franz: "Sorry I was talking to my Girl Friend. However I don't know that person."
TVR&FF: "Sorry about that folks, it seems he had a phone ear piece, so the truth is there is some family drama in this interview.
Now here comes the next question from FaLLeNAn9eL."
What is your idea of what makes a shot look good, does innovation, catch your eye? Image quality? How do you 'judge' shots that are styled differently and how would you define style?
"Also remember that is one big question, the biggest we have had in."
Franz: "I am very picky on framing, angle and tone as style elements. Great innovation means the artist perform these elements in an unique yet beautiful way. Framing and angle are the basic elements I consider first, the tone, is a modifier for the result. In other word, if you have a series of photo with similar subject matter, the tone would be the major element to make each shot having there own style.
I think image quality is a bonus factor in photography (real life and GT4, as well as other games' screenshots), however I don't blame other artists' bad quality since not everybody has time, skills or tools to make great quality photos. I highly respect artists who produce amazing stuff with limited tools; it's kind of like outrun a Skyline with a crappy civic."
TVR&FF: "Franz volleys back with a big response like people do in Tennis, but I just hope that will please FallenAngel, Franz."
Franz: "Yes we hope"
TVR&FF: "FallenAngel will not be easy to please".
Franz: "Sending him a PS3 may work."
TVR&FF: "I show him my PS3 on launch, if that is what you mean, anyway now here is a question from NTX1982." Whats your favourite car in GT4...or the one you like the most to make a great shot?
Franz: "I don't have a special favourite, actually I am playboy (in car porn) when picking a car for Photo Session, that's why you never see me use the same car more than twice. However, I love both Toyota MTRC and Pagani Zonda the most. Sexy cars!"
TVR&FF: "Look folks Porn returns"
*Franz laughs*
TVR&FF: "Oh no, now we will be getting angry phone calls in Franz.
From Families who are saying Little Jimmy heard about this, and then he went into the corner to cry."
Franz: "Haha, however I have no idea what to say."
TVR&FF: "Folks before you throw any fruit at Franz, like a banana, don't, because bananas are not meant for hurting people. But don't worry Franz, I've been watching Monty Python, and I know how to attack from attacks by Fruit."
Franz: "It is a shame of me having low sense of humour...but my English sucks."
TVR&FF: "Don't worry Franz, because I said I would protect you from any Fruit thrown from the crowd."
Franz: "Thanks mate" *Hides behind TVR&FF*
TVR&FF: "In the wise words of Monty Python if someone attacks you with a banana, what should you do?"
Franz: "Hmm ... grab a monkey?"
TVR&FF: "Grab a gun and shoot them, if they have a banana."
Franz: "What if they throw bottles?"
TVR&FF: "Simple physics, use a rocket launcher, or my other way, grab the bottles and drink them. Anyway time for the last question, which is from GT40 MKII."
Favorite track/ photo travel location?
Franz: "I love all dusk settings tracks and Phototravel locations, such as Seattle, Twin Ring Motegi, etc."
TVR&FF: "Now after 2 hours, Franz has made it, but now comes the Bonus Round."
Franz: "Yay"
TVR&FF: "For having the longest interview yet and staying awake, here is a free fish.
However what would you like to say?
Before the Bonus round fully starts"
Franz: "I am pretty happy I was chosen for the interview. Seriously this is the first interview I have had in my whole life! Also I am having a blast!"
TVR&FF: "Now comes for the Bonus round questions, which may contain extra chat show."
Franz: "Bring it on!"
TVR&FF: "So folks before we get to this, get a drink, but me and Franz will be busy with this.
TVR&FF: Mac or PC?
Franz: "MAC! same as Moglet
I had use a bit of MAC in high school, but recently I got an iMac and felt in love with it."
TVR&FF: "I take it you hate Bill Gates then."
Franz: "I don't hate bill, but I hate their software in general."
TVR&FF: "Too many holes, but I wonder how many plugs it would need to take to fill up all those holes, because once one hole is shut another pops open, like a bottle being open, with a refreshing sizzle and pop."
Franz: "Haha...very stupid thing they made...even their office for MAC sucks."
TVR&FF: "It's bound to happen, also Apple have invaded Windows, since the early Quick time days. Anyway time to recycle this bonus question."
What Photo Editing program do you use mainly or do you not use on?
"But it's already come up I think, but it could be worth it in a different tone folks."
Franz: "Photoshop is still my major wares for editing. Thomas Knoll rocks!! I sometimes use paint shop pro because easier to use for batch process but I found quality average the best."
TVR&FF: "Now comes a question, I bet will come out well for you."
Whats youre Favourite type of engine?
Franz: "V8 for life! Maybe even a electric engine in the future? Who knows?" *Franz then laughs"
TVR&FF: "Any favourite V8"
Franz: "I like Ferrari's V8 and some big block V8 from us muscles."
TVR&FF: "Any favourite sounding one or looking one."
Franz: "I like the sound from both I have mentioned.
Also I've never sat and felt the power of these V8 but I heard them before and I just love them right away."
TVR&FF: "Now comes the next bonus question, but are you ready for this."
Franz: "Yeah
But just a little nervous at the same time."
TVR&FF: When GT5 comes out, what will you are mainly working on for the first year GT5 or GT4?
Franz: "GT5 for sure if I bought a PS3 in time! I just can't wait to see the full glory of GT5 produced motion blur and crispiness."
TVR&FF: "Don't worry Franz, I show you some of GTHD, when I get my PS3 in March, now time for a major question, which should be decided really hard."
Who out of these 2 people would you like to do a Photomode gallery Ken Kutaragi or Kazunori Yamauchi?
Franz: "KY for sure....I heard he loves car photography as well I don't know much about Ken Kutaragi, but I don't see him more enthusiastic in car than KY."
TVR&FF: "Anyway time for the last bonus question."
If you could improve GT4 Photomode, what would you do in the game, and how do you hope GT5 will take the Photomode to the next stage?
Franz: "I would love to see the camera moving along with the car, which is something we can see in PGR3. However I already see they put that feature in some GTHD screenshots, and I am fairly happy with the result. I also wish they can add more photography features like Moglet have mentioned from previous interview. Maybe adding some lens filter, vignetting (sp?), more advanced white balance.
Just let's hope PD not forgetting how important the Photomode is in terms of replay value."
TVR&FF: "Ok thank you for this 3 hour interview, it has been a long one, however I hope this will please everyone. But, before we wrap things up fully, here is a last chance to offer some wise words through this method of telling them in the interview.
If you had some wise words to say to people how they can improve there shots, what would they be in 5 words."
Franz: "Be yourself and be creative."
TVR&FF: "Thanks for the interview Franz."
Franz: "Thanks TVR&FF for the interview work. You did a great job. Hope we will see more interviews from other great members in GTP.
TVR&FF: "Anyway Bye Franz" *Shakes Hand*
*Franz shakes hand and gives hug*
TVR&FF: "Shucks"
*Franz Laughs*
TVR&FF: "Thanks for the interview again Franz."
But Franz is known to people, as nice pieces of work, however to me he is someone who made me start work on my own Photomode shots, so when I heard people wanted him to be interviewed I jumped at the chance.
So lets say, welcome to the dark deep dark room....no what am I saying welcome to this interview stage Franz."
*Franz enters*
TVR&FF: "Ok Franz, please tell the nice people, all about yourself and a "bit of personal info on you, like age and so on."
Franz: "My real name is Francis Lai. I live in the capital city of Canada, Ottawa in other word, probably not many people know that, I was born in Hong Kong and I am Chinese. Now I am 28, on my final stage of my study of psychology, but I am heading to graphic design genre job when I am done with school. Maybe take some graphic design course in near future."
TVR&FF: "I like the Lai bit, but does Lai mean you have a hidden Lair, where you bring out Photomode shots."
*Franz Laughs and then goes "Maybe"*
TVR&FF: "However with you being 28, you have seen a lot of the gaming market grow and grow, till it's got to the stage of Billions of pounds/dollars cost stage, In other words C64, yes I said C64, but you must have enjoyed the racing games on C64."
Franz: "Actually I didn't touch any games until GT2 was released. Only did some PC gaming in early 90's
but I am not gaming freak after all."TVR&FF: "But I bet you wish you did not start at GT2 old chap, because you could of played games before GT2 like the old Test Drive and Outrun.
Franz: "Some old games are really nice. I was a big fan of outrun series. I wish I can still play them in any arcade shop in my city"
TVR&FF: "Ah the Arcades, a lot of youth there for me, like when I went to my family to get extra pennies to play even more."
Franz: "Yes true! Very expensive especially if you love racing games, it only lasts you 5 minutes of fun. But this is also the reason I started to adapt to console."
TVR&FF: "However while on this subject of gaming, I can see GT5 being one of the first true 10/10 games on PS3. But we must be ready in case anything goes wrong like delays, however delays can be fun, since it improves the game.
On the other hand if GT5 turned out to be the worst GT game in history, would you need to have reasons to get it? But I bet this will not happen, however Magazines will play a big part in this, since game developers and publishers live and die on reviews from magazines."
Franz: "The GT series have been expanded its audience. Look at how they advertise and associate with manufacturers. I think there are lots of fans out there waiting for the new addition of GT series, even it is bad or multi-transaction kind of rubbish, people will still be buying it."
TVR&FF: "But still people will need to read reviews of all manner and print. However if people want the best reviews, I reckon Magazines are the main ones for people, not only are they published really well, but they help decide a buy."
Franz: "You're right about the magazine play the major part, they control the media. However it also means there is a chance they are GT fans that bias their review. How about the demo?
It works for me to consider buying the game or not."
TVR&FF: "Anyway lets fire away this first question, but that does not mean you have got away from the chat side of things for this interview. This question comes in from Drift2XS, and here it is." Do you get inspiration for your shots and style? If so where?
Franz: "I love automotive photography since I was a kid. This is a reason I have started to collect car magazines since I was 9 years old. Throughout my teenage period, I learned a lot cool angles and style from magazines. Today I don't buy magazines like before because of the Internet, and I often check out seriouswheel.com and other car wallpaper website. They are my major source for inspiration.
However when I prepare for photomode tournament, I use my own creativity. Usually think ahead the composition (including car choice and location), then turn on my GT4 and go get the exact shot from my head."
TVR&FF: "Let me guess you mainly like car photos when you were young, because they were like porn for some cars. Just like old cars in your youth, like the Muria or the Countach.
But still classic cars have always been filth and porn in a good way to me, like the old E-Type and its engine."
*Franz laughs, and then goes on to say, Exactly... the countach was my favourite porn star when I was a kid."*
TVR&FF: "But when you had the posters up, what did you family say when they saw that porn up on your wall. However I bet they said something like this:
"Pull that down, because if youre Nan, sees that she will not be able to look you in the eyes again."
Franz: "My family didn't know I was looking porn, they thought I was looking comic or some sort."
TVR&FF: "They should know better Classic cars are stronger porn then Human porn. But it is a shame some of the modem cars cannot make that happen, unless you are talking about Alfa Romeo to most.
However if you have any children, did you not show them the Brera, because that is strong stuff for there eyes to see."
Franz: *Franz Laughs* "My kids may so get used to strong stuff, because they have my gene."
TVR&FF: "You sure, because children aren't meant to see porn, but while on the subject of classic cars, it is a shame the Photomode tournament does not have more Classic Porn like the E-Type.
But when GT5 comes out, the E-Type classic porn may be to strong for Jordon to keep it up, since GT5 is most likely going to have better Engine design."
Franz: "LOL...who knows, we'll see"
TVR&FF: "Those head gaskets will be to strong, but at least GT4, does not have any of the current crop of ugly Korean cars out there. But I know some are nice, but there is one model I cannot remember at the moment, but it is so ugly, it is worst then the Fiat Multipla."
Franz: "Some new Lancia's are pretty bad ... I think Korean cars are real bad in their 90's. However I like the new Hyundai's. Let's hope we never see a china car on the street. They are just more terrible than we can imagine!"
TVR&FF: "Anyway before people start to get more nightmares about ugly cars, lets get onto the 2nd question.
This question comes in from Speedster502, who asks this." What is your favourite British car to photograph and why?
TVR&FF: "Oh now the Car porn may return."
Franz: "TVR Tuscan in GT4. I love the paint so much and it stands out from the crowd. If I can pick a car not from GT4, Lotus 340R will be my favourite"
TVR&FF: "There are a lot of paint schemes on the Tuscan, but you should see the only true evil colour on the Sagaris in Test Drive Unlimited, with black rims. However while on the subject of TVR's, what TVR would you like to see in GT5 the most, which has not been in GT4.
But my pick would have to pick either the all new Carbon Fibre Typhoon or the Sagaris."
Franz: "True...today's TVRs are super badass. Too bad we don't have TVR in North America."
TVR&FF: "People import them, but for a huge fee, however the next owner, which could have been Al Melling's, wants TVR's to be sold in the USA by a dealer. While going back to its home, even he plans to, but I've seen some of the Griffiths's that have gone over to the US.
However you guys deserve to see its great straight Line speeds and improved handling and breaking with the current models in the USA. But at least some Left Hand Drive Sagaris's were exported to Holland."
Franz: "True. I mean we have strong economy in US/Canada. I don't see any point not exporting some great British muscle to here."
TVR&FF: "But still, what TVR would you like to see make it in GT5, that was not featured in GT4.
Franz: "The Sagaris is a must."
TVR&FF: "Now lets roll on the third question, since we have already been here for an hour, but this question comes in from Cod_Father, who must love his Cod." Do you have graphic arts training or are you self taught?
Franz: "I attended to drawing class when I was a kid. But that was the only training I had, and everything else was self taught. Anyhow I am pretty great in my art class during my elementary and high school."
TVR&FF: "I love Art, because one of my favourite hobbies, which is my backup job option, unless I do not get into Pro Football.
But I remember Art class well like you have, because I remember when I got the highest marks in a long Art Exam. However do you remember any Art Exams, which lasted for a month or more."
Franz: "I didn't have any long art exam and I wish I could. Well congrats you got top scores in your art exams."
TVR&FF: "But when you were in Art class did any people ever want you to draw them somethings, which they could keep, say a car or something."
Franz: "No, but they made me do all the drawings for group projects even the one I didn't belong. However I got some ladies' love for doing that."
TVR&FF: "I remember some girls in my class who use to ask me to draw them somethings, anyway the next question comes in from alexwrc, which is going back to your roots Franz." Why did you start to use GT4 photomode?
Franz: "I love automotive photography, there was no reason I didn't start using Photomode. When I was playing GT2 and GT3, I loved watching replays and pausing the screen at the special moments. When KY introducing Photomode, I think I may be the first person very happy about it, finally I could pause the screen and save it!"
Franz goes on to say, "Actually I love taking screenshots since I played Need For Speed 2, I even had an idea to use screenshots to create 360 degree VR presentation using flash, but removing background for each frame was too much work, so I gave up."
TVR&FF: "But at least GT4 gave you something. However do you still hope there will still be future GTHD versions out with Photomode included?
Since there was talk about this, but GT5 should take less work to edit shots. But I will find ways to make taking shots more challenging and hard, however Artists and people who want to get into Pro Sports do this."
Franz: "Absolutely! If PD not putting Photomode in GT5. I guess I have to write a petition for PD to update their software with Photomode."
TVR&FF: "Remember since the PS3 has a Hard Drive, more features will be added to games. But I bet GT5 will have it in the game from the start, I just hope they give us better transfer options, like HD setting in 720p, 1080i or 1080p (Would be like Raw), even SD settings.
However I will still select 1080p and then make it BMP, but I just hope Polyphony Digital would add other file formats like BMP, since it does not compress shots like JPEG."
Franz: "I don't think we have to worry about photomode."
TVR&FF: "But Photomode may get expanded with future patches. However, maybe Polyphony Digital may use the store to offer extra buyable features for Photomode, like lens, effects and so on. However some add-ons, would cost money, but not too much."
Franz: "I am sure Polyphony Digital will put a better Photomode in GT5, but how good it is will be the biggest question.
However speaking of buying lens! It sounds like fun! Or maybe Lens are unlocked after many photos taken."
TVR&FF: "I just hope Polyphony Digital adds the Photomode to 2 player mode, 4 player mode and maybe 7 players." *Laughs*
But Polyphony Digital should add a video recorder, and multiple cars option for Phototravel, while offering Photo Travel locations on race tracks. However Polyphony Digital must allow people to have a custom race grid option."
Franz: "Youre right! But I think Polyphony Digital should play LFS and rFactor to get some good inspiration"
TVR&FF: "However Franz do you think Polyphony Digital, should add car options for Photomode, like custom paint jobs and paint job effects like in movies with like paint changing all over the car, just like if:
Paint was getting dropped on the car from above, but the main thing is, I think Polyphony Digital should allow these car options in Photomode":
*Mix of Blurs on different parts
*Open bonnet
*Open doors and so on.
"And maybe a feature to add Custom decals from images on a Hard Drive, or build Phototravel or Tracks."
Franz: "I think the biggest disappoint in GT4 is they take away open door option. But you don't know how much I want my Toyota Sera's door open in Photomode"
TVR&FF: "Now for a question, which you saw you had to reply to, but this question is from lmracer." Whose fellow gallery do you enjoy the most?
Franz: "I'm actually inspired quite a bit from JMX, 440 and alexwrc. They are all great in my book and I enjoy them all very much."
TVR&FF: "You know Franz you were one of the people to inspire me to start my gallery in the first place."
Franz: "Thanks I am glad to inspire you to start your gallery, but don't forget we still have plenty new gallery worth watching...including yours TVR&FF."
TVR&FF: "I want to improve so much, but I know you do since everyone loves to improve in this scene. However improving is a must for everyone, since everyone is always improving so quickly."
Franz: "The best thing is our competition ... if we don't have competition, we will never learn, how to push a new limit of Photomode. The world outside GTP, like other race simulation photo editing, they aren't as good as what we see in GTP. It is a phenomenon you know!"
TVR&FF: "Anyway this question is from someone who loves his Nissan's, which is Nissan~GuruZ33 who asks this." What is your favorite editing tool? Why?
Franz: "My favourite tool is gradient mapping with overlay. I use it almost every time for tone editing. It is great way to edit white balance. However it often creates jaggies if the colour range is exaggerated. But sometimes I would use soft light mode instead."
TVR&FF: "Now comes a question from someone you have known a long time on the scene, and it is garnettrules21." Heres an easy one...about how long would you say you have worked with Photoshop?
Franz: "I have been using Photoshop about 9 years, from version 5 to current CS3 beta, but I skipped version 6-7 because I played games too much in that period. I have learned so much about Photoshop since GT4 released, but before that I used Photoshop solely for web graphics design."
TVR&FF: "At least youre be doing something new with are future joint update. But it will make you expand trust with me and improve your bond of trust and knowing people."
Franz: "True. I found myself not having many friends in GTP. However I think the joint update will be a good start."
TVR&FF: "It is also adds some extra learning."
Franz: "I may learn something from you as well."
TVR&FF: Now comes, the next question from LGforce. Have you been working with a photo editing software before you got into editing GT4 Photomode photos?
Franz: "Yes I have. I've designed graphics for website, school projects, and wallpaper. However my improving skills got myself a part time job at local newspaper. I am responsible making and editing advertisement."
TVR&FF: "Wow you must get good pay for that. But I bet your worried about papers is becoming a dying media, since most text media like Newspapers is going digital and 50% of the chance never goes back to non digital media."
Franz: "Lucky thing is the newspaper I work for is a Chinese newspaper. Many readers here are old people and new immigrants, so they have no intention to make it digital."
TVR&FF: "For the moment that is" *Thinks about the immigrants*
"But Did you know the person who played a song? Before you came on was a Polish immigrant."
*Seems Franz does not want to say anything about this*
Franz: "Sorry I was talking to my Girl Friend. However I don't know that person."
TVR&FF: "Sorry about that folks, it seems he had a phone ear piece, so the truth is there is some family drama in this interview.
Now here comes the next question from FaLLeNAn9eL."
What is your idea of what makes a shot look good, does innovation, catch your eye? Image quality? How do you 'judge' shots that are styled differently and how would you define style?
"Also remember that is one big question, the biggest we have had in."
Franz: "I am very picky on framing, angle and tone as style elements. Great innovation means the artist perform these elements in an unique yet beautiful way. Framing and angle are the basic elements I consider first, the tone, is a modifier for the result. In other word, if you have a series of photo with similar subject matter, the tone would be the major element to make each shot having there own style.
I think image quality is a bonus factor in photography (real life and GT4, as well as other games' screenshots), however I don't blame other artists' bad quality since not everybody has time, skills or tools to make great quality photos. I highly respect artists who produce amazing stuff with limited tools; it's kind of like outrun a Skyline with a crappy civic."
TVR&FF: "Franz volleys back with a big response like people do in Tennis, but I just hope that will please FallenAngel, Franz."
Franz: "Yes we hope"
TVR&FF: "FallenAngel will not be easy to please".
Franz: "Sending him a PS3 may work."
TVR&FF: "I show him my PS3 on launch, if that is what you mean, anyway now here is a question from NTX1982." Whats your favourite car in GT4...or the one you like the most to make a great shot?
Franz: "I don't have a special favourite, actually I am playboy (in car porn) when picking a car for Photo Session, that's why you never see me use the same car more than twice. However, I love both Toyota MTRC and Pagani Zonda the most. Sexy cars!"
TVR&FF: "Look folks Porn returns"
*Franz laughs*
TVR&FF: "Oh no, now we will be getting angry phone calls in Franz.
From Families who are saying Little Jimmy heard about this, and then he went into the corner to cry."
Franz: "Haha, however I have no idea what to say."
TVR&FF: "Folks before you throw any fruit at Franz, like a banana, don't, because bananas are not meant for hurting people. But don't worry Franz, I've been watching Monty Python, and I know how to attack from attacks by Fruit."
Franz: "It is a shame of me having low sense of humour...but my English sucks."
TVR&FF: "Don't worry Franz, because I said I would protect you from any Fruit thrown from the crowd."
Franz: "Thanks mate" *Hides behind TVR&FF*
TVR&FF: "In the wise words of Monty Python if someone attacks you with a banana, what should you do?"
Franz: "Hmm ... grab a monkey?"
TVR&FF: "Grab a gun and shoot them, if they have a banana."
Franz: "What if they throw bottles?"
TVR&FF: "Simple physics, use a rocket launcher, or my other way, grab the bottles and drink them. Anyway time for the last question, which is from GT40 MKII."
Favorite track/ photo travel location?
Franz: "I love all dusk settings tracks and Phototravel locations, such as Seattle, Twin Ring Motegi, etc."
TVR&FF: "Now after 2 hours, Franz has made it, but now comes the Bonus Round."
Franz: "Yay"
TVR&FF: "For having the longest interview yet and staying awake, here is a free fish.
However what would you like to say?
Before the Bonus round fully starts"
Franz: "I am pretty happy I was chosen for the interview. Seriously this is the first interview I have had in my whole life! Also I am having a blast!"
TVR&FF: "Now comes for the Bonus round questions, which may contain extra chat show."
Franz: "Bring it on!"
TVR&FF: "So folks before we get to this, get a drink, but me and Franz will be busy with this.
TVR&FF: Mac or PC?
Franz: "MAC! same as Moglet
I had use a bit of MAC in high school, but recently I got an iMac and felt in love with it."
TVR&FF: "I take it you hate Bill Gates then."
Franz: "I don't hate bill, but I hate their software in general."
TVR&FF: "Too many holes, but I wonder how many plugs it would need to take to fill up all those holes, because once one hole is shut another pops open, like a bottle being open, with a refreshing sizzle and pop."
Franz: "Haha...very stupid thing they made...even their office for MAC sucks."
TVR&FF: "It's bound to happen, also Apple have invaded Windows, since the early Quick time days. Anyway time to recycle this bonus question."
What Photo Editing program do you use mainly or do you not use on?
"But it's already come up I think, but it could be worth it in a different tone folks."
Franz: "Photoshop is still my major wares for editing. Thomas Knoll rocks!! I sometimes use paint shop pro because easier to use for batch process but I found quality average the best."
TVR&FF: "Now comes a question, I bet will come out well for you."
Whats youre Favourite type of engine?
Franz: "V8 for life! Maybe even a electric engine in the future? Who knows?" *Franz then laughs"
TVR&FF: "Any favourite V8"
Franz: "I like Ferrari's V8 and some big block V8 from us muscles."
TVR&FF: "Any favourite sounding one or looking one."
Franz: "I like the sound from both I have mentioned.
Also I've never sat and felt the power of these V8 but I heard them before and I just love them right away."
TVR&FF: "Now comes the next bonus question, but are you ready for this."
Franz: "Yeah
But just a little nervous at the same time."
TVR&FF: When GT5 comes out, what will you are mainly working on for the first year GT5 or GT4?
Franz: "GT5 for sure if I bought a PS3 in time! I just can't wait to see the full glory of GT5 produced motion blur and crispiness."
TVR&FF: "Don't worry Franz, I show you some of GTHD, when I get my PS3 in March, now time for a major question, which should be decided really hard."
Who out of these 2 people would you like to do a Photomode gallery Ken Kutaragi or Kazunori Yamauchi?
Franz: "KY for sure....I heard he loves car photography as well I don't know much about Ken Kutaragi, but I don't see him more enthusiastic in car than KY."
TVR&FF: "Anyway time for the last bonus question."
If you could improve GT4 Photomode, what would you do in the game, and how do you hope GT5 will take the Photomode to the next stage?
Franz: "I would love to see the camera moving along with the car, which is something we can see in PGR3. However I already see they put that feature in some GTHD screenshots, and I am fairly happy with the result. I also wish they can add more photography features like Moglet have mentioned from previous interview. Maybe adding some lens filter, vignetting (sp?), more advanced white balance.
Just let's hope PD not forgetting how important the Photomode is in terms of replay value."
TVR&FF: "Ok thank you for this 3 hour interview, it has been a long one, however I hope this will please everyone. But, before we wrap things up fully, here is a last chance to offer some wise words through this method of telling them in the interview.
If you had some wise words to say to people how they can improve there shots, what would they be in 5 words."
Franz: "Be yourself and be creative."
TVR&FF: "Thanks for the interview Franz."
Franz: "Thanks TVR&FF for the interview work. You did a great job. Hope we will see more interviews from other great members in GTP.
TVR&FF: "Anyway Bye Franz" *Shakes Hand*
*Franz shakes hand and gives hug*
TVR&FF: "Shucks"
*Franz Laughs*
TVR&FF: "Thanks for the interview again Franz."
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