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Home: Video University Forums: Filmmakers & Screenwriters:
A little help

X-Brian
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Jun 15, 2004, 5:44 PM

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A little help	Can't Post

Hey all.
I am just about to get started with my first short film.
Since I am 16, I have limited funds, a whole summer to shoot, and actors and actresses around me who are friends, yet very serious, so I am lucky in that sense. Plus, I have a good friend who I can talk to to encourage me, but, I won't even pretend I know everything.
Since I haven't even started writing the script (which will mostly be structured improv., very structured), I was wondering if you all had any tips. Anything you learned when you were beginning to take film very serious? Any shortcuts (in the right places), funding ideas, shooting tips, lighting, sound, ect.?
I am most worried about making my sound and lighting look professional, any shortcuts I can take their until I can get some momentum? Also, I have some concerns on the writing. I will obviously write, direct, and most likely edit it myself, so, any tips as far as writing a screenplay (format, cues, how to make it effective, ect.) I would like to hear.
I was thinking of shooting a short first, nothing special at all. It would probably be something like a comedy / drama romance. Not my favorite, but given that I can shoot in a school and I have teen actors, plus it's low budget and not special effects oriented, I can pull it off. I want to do something about domestic terrorism, but thats down the road. My plan, for now, is to crank out two to three to four (maybe) shorts in the next two years before college so I can get out a good portfolio of work to get into a good film school.
So, any tips you guys can offer up, things you've learned, or any of that, please feel free to post it, I would love to hear what you have to say.
Last thing, I hope to buy a JVC GR-DVL820 Digital Camcorder when I get the availiable funds, I found it for about $400, which is great since it is a $1000 camera. Anyway, I'd like to hear some feedback on that camera, or, if you have a better camera for shorts for under $400, I would look into that.
Thank you everyone. I appreciate it. You can e-mail me at Jaminme@aol.com (that is my AIM name too, so, you can add me to your buddy list and we can chat sometime). Again, thanks.

X-Mark
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Jun 15, 2004, 8:11 PM

Post #2 of 10 (1755 views)
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Re: A little help	Can't Post

What I would do in your situation is take this summer time to just get yourself immersed and involved in film as much as possible before actually doing your own. You're not likely to render a professional-level project if you're looking to take shortcuts to get there.
If nothing else, do a small short first. Then you'll have something in hand to show people who may want to help you out -- be it in labor or monetarily.
I myself tried to leap in feet first doing a DV feature film and we got 80% through filming and the entire thing completely crumbled. In a way I'm glad it did, because in retrospect, I was nowhere near as prepared as I needed to be, and I just got a B.A. in Radio/TV/Film. Where I tried to go whole-hog into a feature, I really wish now I'd have concentrated on shorts first so I could learn -- a hell of a lot more inexpensively, may I add -- all the pitfalls of doing a feature, DV or not.
Mark

X-Brian
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Jun 16, 2004, 8:51 PM

Post #3 of 10 (1755 views)
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Re: A little help [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks Mark.
I look this summer to mostly get the pre-production phase done, hopefully. I want to have a script at least 90-95% done. I'll have a lot more research done as well.
When did you first get into films, and how did you finance it and accomplish basic lighting, sound, and editing so when you entered it into a fest., it looked well done? (That's an openended question to everyone, and I'd like to hear any advice you can give me, a teen film maker.)
Also, if anyone has any ideas of a camera I should look into for about $350-400 (tops), I would be very apperciative.
Thanks again.
Brian.

X-SMG
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Jun 17, 2004, 7:20 PM

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Re: A little help [In reply to]	Can't Post

RE; "if anyone has any ideas of a camera I should look into for about $350-400 (tops), I would be very apperciative."
Well, you could buy a tripod for $350-$400...
Honestly though, you can probably pick up a decent, used S-VHS camcorder in that price range, (such as a Panasonic 450). They still have some life in them and can be picked up easily because pretty well everyone has switched over to digital.
You can shoot 2 hours of analog video per S-VHS tape and get the footage converted to digital for editing. Check with your local cable company...they might have one collecting dust in a corner somewhere.
What you probably really want to work with though, is a digital 3 chip camcorder.

Does your school have video gear that you might be able to borrow/rent?

Can you rent a cam and set up a shooting schedule so that everything is done in a short timespan when you have the cam?
Can you get all of your partners to chip in together and purchase a 'cooperative cam'...one that belongs to each of you equally?
You can pick up a used Sony VX-1000 for a decent price these days, but you always take a chance when you buy used cams. Sometimes though, a cam is worth getting fixed...at least that's the case with cams like the VX-1000.
Check with your Police Department. Many camcorders that are seized as proceeds from a crime are auctioned off at great prices.
If you intend to purchase a new cam, be sure to check all of its features before buying...its hard to shoot a movie if you can't monitor the sound because your bargain basement cam doesn't have a headphone jack...
Hope this helps,
SMG

X-SMG
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Jun 17, 2004, 7:50 PM

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One more thing... [In reply to]	Can't Post

Brian,
Its easy to get caught up in bigger, better, newer, gotta have it, camcorders.
Sometimes it helps to just think of a camcorder as a tool.
I know a cinematographer that shoots 35mm film and owns many expensive film cams. Most of his cams are thrashed from over-use. He treats them as if they each have their own unique quirks and personalities. Still, he always seems to get the shot that he was after. He would'nt think of buying a new one before completely wringing the life out of one of his older ones.
Try to get the most out of your tools and you will enjoy working with them more.
SMG

X-Brian
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Jun 17, 2004, 10:16 PM

Post #6 of 10 (1755 views)
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Re: One more thing... [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks, SMG, it helps.
You're saying that I should choose a camecorder that shoots on VHS over a DV camcorder?
10 to 1 I could get the video stuff from school, it would mean pulling a few strings, but I bet I could do it. It's good to be nice to the tech. nerds in Latin class, thats all I have to say about that. I bet I could use that stuff (or at least rent it) and edit it all at the school. Its worth a shot.
If that doesn't happen, what do you suggest I try to get as far as a 'tool' for doing the actually shooting, something that runs off VHS or DV? What's easier for editing? Any suggestion for editing options as far as software and such? Sorry for the rookie questions, but it is what I am. Thank you for you're patience, its good to know I have guys and gals) out there like you to cover my back. Thanks.

X-SMG
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Jun 18, 2004, 11:48 PM

Post #7 of 10 (1755 views)
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Re: One more thing... [In reply to]	Can't Post

Re: "You're saying that I should choose a camecorder that shoots on VHS over a DV camcorder?"
No, I was referring to S-VHS, (Super VHS). An S-VHS cam records on a special S-VHS tape that is the same dimensions as a VHS tape, but records at 400 lines Horizontal resolution as opposed to VHS's 240 lines. The key reason I said to choose this was the cost would be low. You could get something with more manual over-ride features and better glass...maybe even a 3 chipper.
Mini DV, (with its 500 lines, fewer dropout artifacts and rock solid picture) would still give you a cleaner recording, though...that's why I suggested converting the S-VHS tapes over to digital once you've shot them.
RE: "...I bet I could use that stuff (or at least rent it) and edit it all at the school. Its worth a shot."
I say go for it...its why your parents pay their taxes.
RE: "...what do you suggest I try to get as far as a 'tool' for doing the actually shooting, something that runs off VHS or DV?"
Again, at the very least, use S-VHS and bump it up to digital for editing. DV would be the better option, but you should always consider what type/size lens is on the cam you intend to use. A cheap DV camcorder will have cheap glass and most likely only one CCD.
RE: "What's easier for editing? Any suggestion for editing options as far as software and such?"
DV by a long shot. Editing is an art unto itself. The first thing that I'd suggest is to 'shoot to edit'. What I mean by this, is the more thought that you put into your shoot, the easier it will be to edit it all after. See if you can rustle up a cam first and once we know what you're working with, we can suggest more options for you.
Bye for now,
SMG

X-Jeff
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Jun 23, 2004, 2:28 AM

Post #8 of 10 (1755 views)
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Re: A little help [In reply to]	Can't Post

I experienced similar budget restraints, and after a reading many reviews, visiting a few forums like this, along with trying out cameras at local stores, I opted for the Panasonic PV-GS200, which is the latest and greatest in 3ccd prosumer (well, almost prosumer depending on who you talk to) cameras for under $1000 (I purchased mine for roughly $800 a few months ago). Don't let the size of this camera fool you. This is an awesome camera for its price range. Here's the website with a very thorough review:
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/panasonic-pv-gs200-camcorder-review.htm
This camera will get you over that 3ccd hump (expense wise) and into more professional quality video. This is my first 3ccd camera, and I'm glad I shelled out a few extra bucks to get it (I have a very tight budget too). With the leftover cash--buy a decent bogen tripod ($200-300).
One added benefit for this small handicam compared to its peers is that it is top loading for the DV tapes; therefore, you don't waste time unscrewing the tripod mount. Oh...and it has a manual focus ring, which allows you to practice your rack focus shots for when you move up to the bigger, badder, more expensive cameras in your near future.
Since you are a student like me (cept I'm in college), when you find the cash, I would recommend investing the $640 needed to purchase Adobe's Video Collection Pro 2.5 package that includes Photoshop CS, Premiere Pro 1.5, After Affects 6.5 Pro, Audition, and Encore, along with training DVD's and tutorials (it's definitely worth the price):
http://store.yahoo.com/needsoftware/d23788.html
Of course, if you have a mac, then disregard.

Good luck with whatever your purchase decision--just make sure you buy it cause it fits your budget. Get the camera that meets your needs and not necessarily busts your budget.
I think proper editing techniques and composition of shots will go a long way with a decent camera regardless of the amount of money you spend.
I used a Sony Digital8 for quite awhile, which was fine considering I was still in the initial stages of learning. Panasonic also sells the PV-GS120 (3ccd), which I think you can buy at Circuit City or Best Buy. You can find this camera online for about $500, which is almost in your price range.
If you can spare the extra 100 bucks, get the 3ccd, you won't regret it.
http://camcorderinfo.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php?masterid=2441151&found=2&search=PAN%20PVGS120

X-Jeff
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Jun 23, 2004, 2:37 AM

Post #9 of 10 (1755 views)
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Re: A little help [In reply to]	Can't Post

Some more FYI: before Adobe days, I used Nova's Video Explosion Deluxe NLE software, which is the best under $100 program you can buy (probably about $45 now). One important feature of this program is that it allows a wide variety of output formats, where many of it's peers only allow for a few in comparison. Either way, it's quite a bit better than windows movie maker.

BrianEllis
New User

Jul 1, 2004, 9:52 PM

Post #10 of 10 (1754 views)
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Re: [X-Jeff] A little help [In reply to]	Can't Post

So, what about the Panisonic 450? Any good as far as getting a great shot for the $300 it costs?

I have ways to get proper lighting and that stuff, so thats okay, and, I understand that this camecorder has a large microphone attached.

Is this a good option? I have about a $400 max on the camera, so, I'd like to get the best and easiest camera for that amount or less. What do you think about it?

Thanks.

(This post was edited by tfinney on Jul 1, 2004, 9:58 PM)