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ANY HELP APPRECIATED

T

The Company

Active Member
Im wondering if someone could help me. I'm just venturing out of the screenwriting department and into the filming. And although I have filmed things before I actually dont own a camera or know a hell of a lot about them. I dont want to rush in and buy just any one. What are other filmmakers using? What features should I be looking for? What does 3ccd mean? Whats better 8mm or 16mm? Bear in mind I am sort of a beginner in this department so try and make your answers as simple as possible.
Any help at all is appreciated. Thanks.
 
Im wondering if someone could help me. I'm just venturing out of the screenwriting department and into the filming. And although I have filmed things before I actually dont own a camera or know a hell of a lot about them. I dont want to rush in and buy just any one. What are other filmmakers using? What features should I be looking for? What does 3ccd mean? Whats better 8mm or 16mm? Bear in mind I am sort of a beginner in this department so try and make your answers as simple as possible.
Any help at all is appreciated. Thanks.
 
Ok, for what you want to do, you need DV ( digital video) film is great, but pricey, and is better served after youv truly got your film making feet wet. For info, 16mm is better than 8mm. 8mm is what old home movie footage is shot on. Im sure youv seen a scene or two in a flick, where someone is watching old movies, with the washed colors, and jumpy frames. Thats 8mm. 16mm is what alot of TV shows are shot on "The X-Files" is super 16mm. Alot of indie films are shot 16mm as well. And then 35mm is what most movies you se are shot on.
Ok, back to DV. Its a great way to shoot, and edit. Because its digital it dosent loose quality over multiple generationa, and its easier to import, and export from a computer, where you can do your editing. There are lots of DV cams. My money, is on the Canons. The Canon GL1 is a great starter camera. All Canons come with better lenses then most, so thats good. Plus, they have some cool features. They alow you to plug in other mic's, they are completley automatic (amatuer) to completley manual (film maker) in there settings, with all stops in between. Plus, they have a cool frame mode called, "Movie mode".
See, films are shot at 24 fps (frames per second) video shoots at 30 fps. The result is, video dosent look like film. "Movie Mode" on the other hand, simulates 24fps, which gives a nice flow to movement. It can gett jumpy f you pan quickly, but I think you would be happy with the results.
If you have a bit more to spend, I would suggest getting a Canon XL1-s, the GL1 big brother. A few extra features, and a great camera. Ive seen them new for as low as $2500, but used is less. They are deffinentley novice friendly, so, their a great cam for beginners.
If you cant get one of these, atleast try to get a DV (actually MiniDV) cam, and a major priority for professional looking stuff, is a manula focus option, and the ability to plug in external mic's.
Good luck, Im sure a few more folks can throw some suggestions your way.
R. Michael McWhorter

And you shall know us by the trail of dead.
 
You could also find a local no-name director of photography to shoot it for you that might already own his/her own equipment (And know how to use it). When Hollywood takes on a novice director (Like when some movie star gets a big head) they team them with the baddest most controlling D.P. they can find So that the director really only has to worry about the actors and the D.P. really gets the thing done.

Nota "Baddest Mama-Jamma this side of Alabama" Mono
 
go for the GL2, it's more compact, and accessories for it are cheaper. it's $2200 about...don't buy a $2500 xl1, you'll get ripped off, seriously. Go with a Gl2, or even lower down the scale, like a used GL1. You seem to want a cheaper GL1 due to some lack of experience in this. and hey...if you find a guy already hooked up, befriend him, or whatever. WHatever is cheapest, and most efficent!
 
Yeah, I just saw the gl2 and thought it looked alright. I think the xl1 is a bit too expensive. But if i do get it, ill need to be able to edit my films on my computer. What is the best software to do this with? I heard some good things about Adobe Premiere?
 
it depends on what your trying to do. For $60, I have Sonic Foundry Video Factory 2. It has much better effects than pinacle studio 8, and even more effects(but some not of better quality) than premiere. It will last you untill your advanced-intermediate. Has pretty much everything student filmmakers need, I highly suggest it. On the other hand, if your doing chroma-keying, need more video tracks, and are doing more proffestional oriented work, then you'll need either premiere, avid xpress dv. 3.5, or Final cut pro 3. They all have the above features, but I've heard avid xpress's color corection tool kicks butt. If your a student, it can be had for $500.
 

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