Search results

Go out early Sunday morning and do a location scout. Find a place where there are normally a lot of people, but on sunday--the most likely day--will be empty. An outdoor mall would be perfect--shops don't usually open until 10. I don't know how big of a town you live in, but a "main street"...

I think it best to get the cleanest video you can then alter in post. You might check out DV Rack by seriousmagic.com Very cool. Dan www.DVcameraRigs.com

Re: Collaborative? Re: Collaborative? That's really not what that saying means. What it means is that one can't possibly be all things on a film, and it must be a collabortive effort between many artists. The writer probably can't DP, the costumer can't script supervise, the director is...

Hi Kim, I think that's a great idea if the articles included links to the videos. As for the example, I agree 100% with DBXMe2. Such a great band and song...what a lousy video. The CGI needs to go, and new bands need to be seen! Dan

Hi Sonofstan, I think you're going about this all wrong. I often see students who are so afraid of having their ideas ripped off, that they don't show their stuff to anyone. The obvious result is it sits on the shelf forever. First, send it to the copyright office for protection (the Writer's...

Has your instructor taught you nothing of the basics like camera lines, shots, camera movement, etc? Good lord. Either he doesn't know, or can't teach. Before you get started, trap him in a corner and start asking questions. A really good primer you should invest in is "Cinematography; theory...

I went to Calarts, but graduated in '86, so things may have changed. Most notably, after Sandy Mackendrick's death, I've heard that the school's classes focus more on documentary than narrative, but you can make any type of films you want. Personally, I loved my experience at Calarts. It's the...

Hey Christine, I just noticed the date on your post. Have you started yet? If so, how do you like it? Dan

Heed Tiramisushi's words! And on the first day, find out about equipment access, and sign up for equipment as soon as you can for your shoot weeks down the road. If you wait too long, you'll find you won't be able to get what you need. Dan

Hi Fractal Girl, I think it depends on the school and access. When I taught at the USC summer film program, I was surprised to learn that it wasn't that easy for students to get a camera when they needed it (it's USC for gosh sakes!). And after going through the hands of a lot of inexperienced...

Boy, you've asked some loaded questions. If you're going to attend NAB this year, you might take a seminar with Douglass Spotted Eagle. Or even better, get his DVD on sound: http://vasst.com/product.aspx?id=fa96cfc7-7a95-44cc-a143-5b7da6de3482 The thing is, you can get the best mic out there...

Check out http://homebuiltstabilizers.com They are a great resouce. You might check out my book, "Killer Camera Rigs That You Can Build" as well. It's not free, but there are plans for 3 different kinds of cranes and a dolly. Best, Dan

Filmosity is absolutely right, but my 2 cents: Mac! And get the whole FCP bundle. Just because Avid was first, doesn't mean they're the best. I'm a little biased though...I was a professional editor and had to learn Avid when things started shifting from film. At the time, I HATED avid. We...

The california film commission will have all the info you need: http://www.film.ca.gov/state/film/film_homepage.jsp Good luck on your shoot! Dan

Must be nice to have that kind of time and money! What's to say? If a take wasn't perfect he did it again and again. I'm sure there must have been at least few scenes removed completely. But in a special effects film, things are pretty tight when you start working with the actors or there's a...

"gotta get magic on the day"... Hmmm, maybe. Maybe not. I made a pretty good living re-cutting movies after a director and editor had a go at it. People think that there are some pretty drastic changes that go on in a process like this, and sometimes there are, but it's the tiny changes--moving...

Yep, I was there in NYC where I taught 2 seminars: One on building your own rigs like dollies, cranes, steadicams, etc., and one on Camera Composition and Movement. I had a great time, but unfortunately, I came back with the flu! I blame American Airlines! I hope you got a lot out of the...

I understand Dave. I was once told by a suit to "put in more close-ups". It's such an idiotic thing to say as the drama of a scene has nothing to do with more or less close-ups. I can't believe the same thing came out of an editors mouth. I'm reminded of the days I took Avid classes and I was...

As an editor, and one that had a career re-editing (and in some cases directing additional scenes) movies that didn't work, I have to take issue with some cliches about editors. Believe me, we DON'T like coverage that is not thought out and covers everything but the kitchen sink. It makes our...

Sorry it took so long to answer, but Just got back last night from giving a couple of seminars in New York at the NAB post plus convention. In fact, one of the lectures was on camera composition and movement. I have pretty strict opinions on when the camera should be moved. There's a school of...