rec.arts.movies.production.sound

On Feb 18, 11:35 am, "Charles Tomaras" wrote:
> "Blandest" wrote in message
>
> news:27mjr39tuapv3cudrcrd0tvg1kp9as3h21@...
>
>
>
> > On Mon, 18 Feb 2008 09:51:20 -0800 (PST), Robert Sharman
> > wrote:
>
> >>You know, I can't really tell if you're serious here. It seems that
> >>you want to "produce" a film for about the cost of a $800 camera plus
> >>accessories and $300 worth of sound gear. I don't intend to be mean,
> >>but even bad filmmaking does require some skill and experience. If
> >>you have neither, then use your money to buy some books, as suggested,
> >>and borrow a camera from a friend with a built in mic, and run around
> >>to see what you can accomplish.
>
> >>Or...
>
> >>While a half-way terrible DP might show up expecting you to provide a
> >>camera, he will also expect money. Why not find a guy who already
> >>owns a consumer HDV camera, and who has at least read the manual. He
> >>is more likely going to be as qualified as anyone else you have in
> >>mind, and will probably work for free. Use the mic that is built in
> >>or use the optional external accessory mic. The latter will be
> >>better, since more directional. At least you can be sure that if you
> >>are pointing at the "actor" talking that you'll hear them too. Set
> >>the camera to "auto" for your levels, and be sure the actors use a
> >>reasonable volume.
>
> >>After editing, if you discover you and your and your cast/crew have
> >>some natural talent, then try to raise some money to take the next
> >>small step.
>
> >>Good luck...and I really mean it. Filmmaking is a passion, and I envy
> >>your decision to go for it. Remember that a well told, quality story
> >>will overcome many things. Don't just point your camera randomly at a
> >>bunch of "cool stuff" and expect to make a good film.
>
> >>Robert
>
> > I am entirely serious. My budget and my lack of pro equipment might
> > make you cringe. However, do not underestimate what a passionate
> > individual can create with inadequate equipment given enough
> > earnestness and creativity.
>
> > I have been working on my video for over 8 years now. It has finally
> > matured to the point where production makes eince. This will be an
> > immensely challanging endeavour for me but I'm up to the task.
>
> > Anyone care to recommend a good book on digital video making (perhaps
> > more about methodology and techniques than the particulars of editing
> > software)?
>
> > TIA
>
> Whatever you do, keep all of your original source material and use software
> applications that other professionals use so if you need help with your
> editing or sound you can take it to someone for mentoring or hand it over to
> them if it gets out of hand and you have a budget.

Good advice regarding keeping all masters intact and using a popular
NLE system. Use Final Cut would be my advice.

If you read carefully, you will see I was not trying to discourage
you, only to warn you that equipment on any consumer level is all
going to be poor. Use your money to seek advice from books, and rent
as many movies that inspire you that are similar to yours in genre,
and study them hard.

Remember!!!!!! You will not have the resources to "fix it in post" -
What you hear on set, you will hear in post. Do not let ANYONE tell
you that it's easy to fix a poor production track. Roll sound on
EVERYTHING as if there is critical dialog, even if there is only
ambient sound. Get it all. Don't allow talking even during inserts.
You will be thankful later, I promise. If there is unpleasant ambient
noise where you are shooting, it's better to have it there all the
time, and have the actors compensate with their level. If it's there
sometimes and not others, it will make editing very difficult. You
will have to add the bad noise into your track to make it all match.

Concentrate on "classic" filmmaking style. Forget digital, film, HD,
whatever. Get complementary/matching coverage, stay on the correct
side of the line for your coverage. Avoid "oners" unless you are
convinced everything is perfect on the one take that you like. Read
up on the script supervisor job. It'll help with more aspects of
technical filmmaking than you can imagine. TELL THE STORY! It is
more important than wasting time on the little things, or that really
cool shot you want to do which does nothing to tell the story.

Robert