http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Community Forums » Forum: Specialty Topics - Recent Posts en Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:54:28 +0000 http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/underwater-dark-knight#post-58334 Thu, 06 May 2010 08:09:18 +0000 composite1 58334@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Here's a cool vid for you underwater shooting fans by Darek Sepiolo of his shoot off the Galapagos Islands. See it you recognize the music. Check it out....</p> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/1935228">Galapagos</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user827458">Darek Sepiolo</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/shooting-in-israel#post-57970 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 09:20:06 +0000 CLTV 57970@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Anyone have experience with the regulations on doing a documentary in this country? </p> <p>Thanks,</p> <p>Steve</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/combat-camera-the-next-generation#post-56371 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 08:38:35 +0000 composite1 56371@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p><em>"... If you see me change out my camera for the weapon we're in trouble!"</em></p> <p>Speak of the devil. I was checking out my old unit online and wouldn't you know it, one of the team got awarded the Bronze Star for action under fire....</p> <p><a href="http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=27717">http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=27717</a></p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/combat-camera-the-next-generation#post-56359 Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:45:19 +0000 composite1 56359@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p><em>"Shame MSNBC won't carry stuff like this!"</em></p> <p><em>"I thought I was sticking my neck out doing hunting videos!"</em></p> <p>In fairness to the embedded reporters who bravely take 'their turn in the barrel' along with the troops they cover, it all depends on the 'suits' back home in the corporate offices as to what gets shown. Quiet as it's kept, the news media in the last few years has been 'brought to heel' on a number of occasions. When some things do get aired, you can guarantee they've been stamped for approval by Uncle Sam. Every time something 'slips out' is when the 'shin hits the fat' and you get your controversies.</p> <p>My thought at the time was, "If you don't want us to find anything, don't send us." Of course no one with any brass on their shoulders or a 'government suit' on would take that advice from a humble sailor.</p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/combat-camera-the-next-generation#post-56356 Sat, 13 Mar 2010 12:07:19 +0000 pseudosafari 56356@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> And I thought I was sticking my neck out doing hunting videos!  It's so easy to take American life for granted.  Thanks for posting this.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/combat-camera-the-next-generation#post-56355 Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:30:51 +0000 birdcat 56355@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>This is great!  Shame MSNBC won't carry stuff like this!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/combat-camera-the-next-generation#post-56354 Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:18:26 +0000 composite1 56354@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>As a former Combat Cameraman seeing footage from our growing number of war zones hits me on multiple sides. I can see well beyond the propaganda and both understand the situation from both the war fighter and concerned civilian perspectives. When I first joined my Combat Camera Unit I quickly realized I had much to live up to. My fellow teammates and I were the 'technical descendants' of Director John Ford among a host of famous filmmakers and photographers down through the decades. </p> <p>Though I suspected it beforehand, I found that ours was a unique profession. We were warriors, but our job was 'Telling the Story of War'. I remember talking with some young Marines on a mission and they couldn't understand why I carried a camera instead of a rifle. My answer was, "I carry a rifle too, but if you see me change out my camera for the weapon we're in trouble!"</p> <p>I passed on the 'torch' years ago and now a new generation is doing what I did by taking the latest technical innovations into the field to tell today's war stories. Shot with the Canon 5DMkII The video "Why We Fight" by Army Specialist Matt Freire and 1st Lieutenant Tyler Ginter gives us the story of one unit of the Afgan Special Forces from their point of view. </p> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10100482">Why We Fight</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/tylerginter">Tyler Ginter</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/cracking-down-on-student-films#post-56345 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:22:16 +0000 composite1 56345@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p><em>"...My first student film, the story sucks so bad that I had to do miracles<br /> in the editing..."</em></p> <p>Sarge,</p> <p>Well the two main elements I've found that make student films awful is one, particularly in narratives your age and skill level are biggest problems. Most college students are under 21 and they have a limited background in life experience and interests. The majority of students make 'coming of age' films which are relevant to them but are tiresome to anyone who's seen the constant river of 'CoAF's' that have thundered past over the years. The other killer is skill level. Nobody gets past that one. However, on occasion there's some good writing and acting so the story though cliche' keeps you interested.</p> <p>When it comes to 'stories being abstract', like I said "students don't have a lock on that!" Take the new "Star Trek" movie. Though it was assuredly a fun film to watch, as a screenwriter I just shook my head and said, "Whatever, you convinced somebody to dump a cargo plane worth of cash to make it." I won't go into the plot holes, because I wouldn't want to spoil it for anyone who still hasn't seen it. The problem when you deal with a creative product from the purely 'business side' is the suits are too busy trying to make money. That's fine, but you also want to make something that will hold up when future generations see it too. </p> <p>The one upside of student films is they haven't gotten on that 'treadmill' yet so they are completely free to make whatever comes to mind, no matter how bad....</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/cracking-down-on-student-films#post-56344 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:09:42 +0000 SargeHero 56344@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I remember my first student film, the story sucks so bad that I had to do miracles in the editing so it could at least have some decency. My university does not offer a bachelor in film, just a certificate and many of the students are from English, art or social science. I study economics and my approach to video/film is the business side, so I try to concentrate my film ideas in a way I could make income with them. The student films that I have seen so far have some abstract story, the usual theme of social problems and I wonder, why the rest of the university population does not bother to go see the student films? I'm trying to figure out a way to change this, make something different and along the way make profit, but I think I may fall in the "cliche's". What can I do to make films without falling in the cliche's? Right now I'm working very hard in my video business, knocking on doors offering my services, dealing with legal stuff to incorporate the business and I have this strong feeling that by making films in a different way I could make the clients come to me instead. To me films are an excellent marketing strategy for future income.   </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/cracking-down-on-student-films#post-56253 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:34:11 +0000 composite1 56253@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>210,</p> <p>Now as an instructor I 'officially do not hate Student Films' and make all attempts to encourage a student's growth. With that in mind, I will drop in the occasional "You sure you want to do that?" Funny thing is; student's don't have a lock on bad films. When I'm in the rental store or watching HULU there are many times I ask out loud, "How'd they get the money to shoot this Dog?" </p> <p>The main thing I keep in mind is something one of my mentors said, "That you got your film made is the miracle." So with that I do my best to keep an open mind. Technically, when I was in filmschool I already had 5 years as a pro under my belt and had probably worked on or produced more films than most of the students in my class would ever make in a career! Since I was a 'ringer' it's kind of cheating to say "I made a student film."</p> <p>What's fun about student films is watching them go through the process with such fanciful enthusiasm and then watch the 'cold brick of reality' make it's beautiful arcing trajectory to connect with such brutal efficiency as they learn to contend with the real-world aspects of making movies. Those who can handle it, make their movies. It's not much different making films as a pro. You just eventually learn to wear a hard-hat!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/cracking-down-on-student-films#post-56250 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:42:52 +0000 2ten 56250@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> That's funny.  But at least you went to film school.  I think I am in the category of wannabe, neverwillbe, mightbe...hopetobe..  I've mentored some high school students trying to write their own scripts though and the cliches do tend to be all over.  Even from these "cool 17 year olds" I end up thinking, really, nobody does this or talks like this.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/cracking-down-on-student-films#post-56248 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:13:52 +0000 composite1 56248@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>(insert long sigh) Yes, I admit I too made a 'Student Film'. Had to otherwise they wouldn't have let me graduate. That said, I did my very best to avoid as many cliche's as humanly possible to keep it from looking totally like a student film. Actually, I hate student films. Most are so horrific that when an actual gem pops up I can literally hear Handel's "Messiah" with full orchestra and angelic choir loud and clear.</p> <p>The following film "Script Cops" by Scott Rice brings to realization of the 'crackdown' on student films that's long been overdue.</p> <p>vimeo.com/channels/staffpicks</p> <p>Unfortunately, this video can't be embeded so if you want to see it, just copy the link and drop it in your browser search bar.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/reinactment-video#post-52213 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:11:21 +0000 composite1 52213@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>DDC,</p> <p>So why bother with you in the first place if the content producer is 'guided by you during the process' that's the same as a Work-for-Hire Agreement. If you need a 'canned' production just purchase one and don't try to hornswaggle someone into shooting something for free. If you need it that bad and can't pay someone to do it, just shoot it yourself.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/reinactment-video#post-52211 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:31:27 +0000 ddc 52211@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>A clarification of my last post:reinactment video: the contact is <a href="mailto:msvcommuinty@msvctv.com">msvcommuinty@msvctv.com</a> Public access tv is not a paid gig but is an oppurtunity to learn and get content on on tv while you retain copyright on your work which can then be used by you to further your goals.  </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/reinactment-video#post-52193 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:45:39 +0000 grinner 52193@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Not getting paid for your original programming... indeed real world experience.</p> <p>lol</p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/reinactment-video#post-52183 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:19:57 +0000 ddc 52183@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> looking for short reinactment video's for a law enforcement presentation "don't be a victim" this is for <em>public access tv</em>, raw video or complete,any experience level: for script and info: email <a href="mailto:msvctv@msvctv.com/"><a href="mailto:msvctv@msvctv.com">msvctv@msvctv.com</a>/</a> check msvctv.com website also. this is an opportunity to get your work on tv. we guide you through the complete process, you retain rights and gain realworld experience.  </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/a-question-for-experienced-video-production-specialists#post-51088 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 13:31:33 +0000 EarlC 51088@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>rjd - I don't know if you saw, or read the response I gave you when you contacted me via private message, but here it is. Much, of course, falling in line with a lot of what has already been said.</p> <p>It would primarily be based upon your actual abilities and knowledge regarding the equipment, production abilities/basics and advanced capabilities, and editing skills. If you are entering with NO job experience, or commercial production experience, it might be a bit difficult to expect anything more than minimum wage up to about $10 per hour starting out, in spite of your education.</p> <p>And, "internship" has all-to-frequently been taken as a way to take advantage of labor and skills regardless the ability or experience. Keep that in mind. Unfortunately the industry and/or companies with a need to facilitate or utilize video and/or multimedia related skills tends to make newbies run the gauntlet before paying them what they are worth, if ever.</p> <p>If you are knowledgeable, skilled and capable in production work beyond the "concepts" approach via education, then you should be able to command $25 to $35 per hour (with some benefits as well) during a brief trial period. If you have professional skills and capabilities then you should also demand better considerations once you have completed a, say 60-to-90-day period.</p> <p>It all really depends on how quickly you can get up to speed and address their needs. Most companies WILL use them to the extent you allow them. You will have to accurately assess you knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as your level of self-confidence, esteem and sense of worth and be willing to take a stand if you warrant it.</p> <p>Also, if you ARE a bit hesitant to claim pro quality production abilities and are going to require some time to get up to speed in the real market, then it might be in your best interest to accept an indefinite "internship" at hopefully better than degrading salary or wage levels in order to get some of that "experience" everybody wants but seems unable to pay for and a higher degree of confidence that will suit you a year down the road when you feel ready to negotiate for a better paying position. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/a-question-for-experienced-video-production-specialists#post-51087 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 05:09:35 +0000 sham 51087@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I know you think that as a college graduate you are now in a position to earn big bucks. But let me tell you this. You are now beginning to learn. In college they taught you the basics, that's all. You now have to go out into the real world and really start learning.</p> <p>My advice to you is to accept whatever they are paying. Be enthusiastic.Keep your eyes and ears open. Learn what you can from more experienced people and when you really know stuff, then move on. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/a-question-for-experienced-video-production-specialists#post-51075 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 06:59:32 +0000 gldnears 51075@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> rjdthree posts:</p> <p>&gt;I am a recent college graduate whom accepted an internship at an advertising firm. The company is small (20-30 employees) but is growing, as they are creating a Video Department in order to eliminate the high prices charged by independent contractors. </p> <p>I love it! </p> <p>Thirty-plus years ago corporate accounts began to invest in their own video production gear. After all, they watch television and know what they like, eh? Why should they pay those exhorbetant fees to some guy with a 16 or 35mm film camera to do his hocus- pokuss mumbo-jumbo witchcraft when they could make a one time investment ( $ 150K and often much MORE! )in some video gear and train up some dude in the mail room to run it? How hard could it be?? The instant gratification and low media costs of video production allowed for numerous playbacks and tweeks so that they could be sure to " get it right ".</p> <p>I was a freelance soundman for some of the local film production companies and found myself being hired to run sound for the corporate video departments ( THAT was unusal since everybody knows sound, right ?! )And I was there when the committee of suits gathered around the monitor and began to argue about color balance, etc while I and the talent were dozing in the corner.</p> <p>It's amazing to see how some things never change!</p> <p>R Crampton </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/a-question-for-experienced-video-production-specialists#post-50900 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:57:05 +0000 grinner 50900@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Many students (in this industry) make the mistake of thinking a job is owed to them or waiting because they have a degree. That's not at all the case. It usually just places you in line with dudes 2-4 years younger than you. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/a-question-for-experienced-video-production-specialists#post-50893 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 07:49:39 +0000 composite1 50893@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>RJD,</p> <p>Your situation is unfortunately the norm. If you look at most of the job posting sites, there is a tidal wave of offers for 'recent college grads'. That's code for: we want to use you up and we don't want to pay. As one of those 'awful contractors who charge too much money' I recently got a reply from a potential client, "We appreciate your enthusiasm for our project, but we've been in business for 19 years and we are looking for individuals who are looking for fresh experience in the production industry." Translation; "We know you are a seasoned pro and we'd have to pay you."</p> <p>Grinner's right about having to pay dues, but you'll pay them in your own way. I got into the biz through the military and unlike the civilian industry, I went from grip trainee to full producer in 18 months because I had an aptitude for it and pushed hard as hell. When I transitioned to C-Villian life, I thought that having a deep background in real-world production would translate easily into a solid career. It did, but not the way I thought. Nobody would hire me. HR's would take one look at my resume' and run for the hills like they saw Herman Munster! I talked to a friend and colleague who was a reservist and still worked in the industry. In the service he was a top of the line producer/director/DP. In hollywood it had taken him 14 years to finally get to 1st camera. He told me point-blank that 'when people see your experience, they either can't believe you've done so much in such a short time or they get scared and think you'll take their job from them.'</p> <p>I wanted to stay in 'the family business' so I started my own Co. It hasn't been easy, but for me it was the proper path. I think Grinner's path is terribly optimistic, but it worked for him. Your path will be different. Where it won't be different from any of our paths is you'll have to work hard, constantly train and put up with mountains of BS until you get to Grinner's 'promised land' of "Six figure salaries and self-empowerment." You may be one of those people who step on the 'luck landmine' and blow-up right off the bat. More than likely, it will be on long hard slog that will be lit only by your passion for the work.</p> <p>Be advised: when you work for a company as an intern, they are completely in the driver's seat. Right now, they are 'getting the milk for free' so be prepared for the high possibility of Bircat's 'chewing up and spitting out' scenario. However, should they do the honorable thing and hire you for all your hard work more than likely they will just say, 'we're offering you X take it or leave it.' No matter what the number is ask yourself; can I live on my own on this salary? Can I deal with these people on a daily basis? Can I grow with this outfit or should I have a back-up plan ready? </p> <p>Most students straight out of college are so keen to get work, they don't ask themselves those questions. When you become an employee, by contract you become a 'bonded servant'. To paraphrase a Steven Segal line, "Most masters are ungrateful...." Can you serve a potentially 'ungrateful master' to the best of your ability? You better be sure. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/a-question-for-experienced-video-production-specialists#post-50892 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 05:37:36 +0000 birdcat 50892@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Learn all you can on their nickel - When you decide you have a significant level of knowledge, look for a decent paying job.</p> <p>This company sounds like they will bleed you dry for as little as they possibly can. When they're done chewing you up, they will spit you out and look for fresh meat.</p> <p>When you get to your next position (the one that pays reasonably), tell these yokels you would like them to develop a full ad campaign, complete with television spots using a-list actors, full color spreads for major print distribution and multiple radio spots - all for under $50.</p> <p>OK - Sorry - Rant over... </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/a-question-for-experienced-video-production-specialists#post-50889 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 04:37:22 +0000 grinner 50889@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Not much but that aint the point. Of course they are trying to save a buck, hence the hiring of a student instead of outsourcing freelancers. Look at it as learnign more there on the clock than ya did in school and ya won't feel exploited. You can ask for 30k a year but don't turn down whatever is offered. You'll get decent raises or move onward and upward as a result.<br /> I can tell ya my first job at a tv station paid a whoppin' $3.35/hour. My first salary positin paid less than that because I started at 18k a year and worked 80 hour weeks. Give yourself a 10k raise every two years by moving onward and upward. You'll move to various markets, hone skills and enjoy the ride. I moved my family to five states in as many years at one point, just salary-climbing and dream-chasing. My wife has never had to work and ends have always been met. You can work yourself into a a fine six-figure salary and then self-employ/self-empower yourself should yuo want more but dues will have to be paid first. If ya don't take this gig at an entry-level pay scale, somebody else will. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/a-question-for-experienced-video-production-specialists#post-50878 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:24:19 +0000 rjdthree 50878@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I am a recent college graduate whom accepted an internship at an advertising firm. The company is small (20-30 employees) but is growing, as they are creating a Video Department in order to eliminate the high prices charged by independent contractors. I am being trained to be their Video Production Specialist in order to bring all production in-house. I shoot and edit for them, and am supposed to help start writing too. </p> <p>My days usually, I will shoot video for them on an AG-HVX200, either in their green screen studio or on location, edit said video using FCP, as well as AfterEffects, and collaborate and coordinate with other graphic designers and/or writers.</p> <p>Unfortunately, I think that they are training me, a recent graduate, because they do not want to pay an experienced video specialist more money. I am afraid that they will low ball their salary offer to me, so I was looking for any input on what I would be fair. I don't want to want to be taken advantage of. How much should I be expecting? </p>