X-blake
Imported Account
Apr 29, 2004, 1:18 AM
Post #6 of 6
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Re: Film newbie, need a good place to start...
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First off, disregard the comment about "Once Upon a Time in Mexico." This was shot on a Panavised HDW-900, with Primo HD lenses, all of which cost upwards of $200,000, not including the perifials. The footage went through extensive color timing at EFilm by professional colorists, before being printed on an Arri laser for the release print. Yeah, it's digital, but your talking two different worlds here.
All of the comments have been good so far, except no one has answered your questions concerning the equipment. Normally, even in low budget productions that choose to shoot on film, the equipment is rented. Typically, you would be looking at a 16mm camera like an Arri SRII or SRIII, zoom, and/or prime lenses, accesories, sticks, head, etc. The tools used by professionals are insanely expensive, and it is much more cost effective to rent than to buy. I have worked on many low budget features that shot for about 2 to 3 weeks, on 16mm, with a full crew, and managed to get a good product for about $30,000. The trick is to have excellent pre-production, and save money on the crew by seeking good people who will work for experience, but little pay.
You must also be well connected.
Now, I know you are not yet ready to tackle a project of this size, but I think the concept is the same on smaller projects as well. Surround yourself with good people, and run your pre-production into the ground, including having a back-up plan for everything.
The question of what format to shoot on can, and should be delt with on a project per project basis. CHOOSE THE FORMAT THATS RIGHT FOR THE PROJECT. If it's a so so story, you are a beginner, and don't have much money, then DV is perfect for your project. Someday, when you have a great story, you have gained enough experience and vision, and sheer determination, you can convince people to give you money for your project, then film may be the answer. Or you can go Rogue warrior and put it all on your credit card. Yes, many Sundance nods have gone to movies done in this manner. The only other way is if your last name is Coppola, and daddy owns the production company that funded your movie.
Don't let anyone decieve you. Most movies, probably 80% to 90% that ever see a distribution deal or any success at all were shot on film. The people at Sony like to use Rodriguez, and Lucas as their PR tool, but they haven't changed the industry noticably...yet.
You need to watch the documentary called "Lost in La Mancha."
If you haven't been to film school, it's a great way to get a glimpse of what a career as a filmaker is all about.
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