http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Community Forums » Tag: amateur - Recent Posts en Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:10:12 +0000 http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/amateur-to-amateur-advice#post-74672 Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:22:06 +0000 michael9 74672@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi</p> <p>Thanks, great to find such a clear delivery of info.</p> <p>Cheers</p> <p>Michael</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/amateur-to-amateur-advice#post-63978 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 10:11:03 +0000 composite1 63978@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Luis,</p> <p>Yup that's straight 'Guerrilla' brother! One way to cut down on heat on set is to use Compact Flash Bulbs instead of Halogens and Flood lights. CF Bulbs come in comparable wattages of 100, 150 and 300. You'll have to double to quadruple up on bulbs to achieve a certain wattage level (i.e. 600w = 6 100w, 4 150w or 2 300w) but, they're much cheaper and don't kick out anywhere near the heat. You can also get them in Daylight and Indoor (Tungsten equivalent). </p> <p>Be advised CF bulbs are 'off color temperature' from traditional bulbs. Indoor bulbs rate at around 2700K and Daylights rate at 6500K so make sure to do a good manual white balance and adjust your exposures accordingly.</p> <p>Halogens are best used outdoors for shooting. Indoors they do present a potential fire risk.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/amateur-to-amateur-advice#post-63975 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 07:54:45 +0000 SargeHero 63975@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Nice video Wolfgang. My greenscreen set have guerrilla written all over<br /> it, but it works great. Although the set temperature rise like 5<br /> degrees, I turn the lights off from time to time and I put a fan in the<br /> side for a more "pleasant" experience.  For chroma keying I prefer to<br /> use After Effects because its way more powerful than Premiere and I feel<br /> more comfortable with it. Check out my greenscreen guerrilla style set,<br /> enjoy</p> <p><img src="http://api.ning.com/files/rkKEupXRKlRXnKX7I0heU9pTfiEVT5Mx0WAK76tlI70B3IO-aQP37wLEXxzq54i*JVOs5vpVk3yiqNyS7TLIhtk2R10dVKl6/DSC05565.JPG?width=737&amp;height=552" width="350" height="245" /></p> <p><img src="http://api.ning.com/files/JqrgyMHgQmnw9NoNqnnnqOoHbB6yyUcIQChl3V0dQGDR6fsB2bI1f1eJFCCrsazPpqF3uSoHRE*ZFr5yv*K0-iJBy38YPVnT/DSC05571.JPG?width=737&amp;height=552" width="350" height="245" /></p> <p><img src="http://api.ning.com/files/wC0ZJYtbZZ7PRoJw3BLYqc3BM7qrZUyiUEjaW98OmkV6Pg5da71CjT6RWw67KGrUpgMK57RnrRX13o9aUFiwKrHr9or9r1bF/DSC05573.JPG?width=737&amp;height=552" width="350" height="210" /></p> <p><img src="http://api.ning.com/files/QRLV2bu-SV-p3b1Syuc7nO8YqroUfCLX8cWEIB-jt71YmLCGrq9m-BWzkFCBVcW5pB760HVzxmrqpd9Tug261OdMIoHALGfO/DSC05572.JPG?width=737&amp;height=552" width="350" height="210" /></p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/amateur-to-amateur-advice#post-63971 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 04:32:24 +0000 WSanford 63971@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>That was great.  </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/amateur-to-amateur-advice#post-63964 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 22:14:10 +0000 composite1 63964@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>As one of the many Pro and Intermediate Gurus here in the forums, I've given tons of tips and advice to tons of Amateur and newbie videomakers. It's always cool to find an Amateur or Intermediate who has the chops to put out good info that even we pro's can find useful. Here's a vid by Dave Dugdale on 'How to Greenscreen with Adobe Premiere CS5'. </p> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/16953620">How to Key Green Screen DSLR Footage in Premiere Pro CS5</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/dugdale">Dave Dugdale</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/beginnerstudent-video-person-wanted#post-62896 Fri, 22 Oct 2010 08:57:10 +0000 chrisjchrisj 62896@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Beginner/student video person wanted to shoot short video in local business community in Los Angeles/Southern California area. Some compensation. Great for work experience.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-career-advice-please-help-amateur-hoping-to-find-work-he-loves#post-54198 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 08:19:15 +0000 Jewelove 54198@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>&lt;p class="post"&gt; </p> <p>Hello</p> <p>If you are looking for an opportunity, we<br /> might be able to help you. We require a free-lance video maker for a<br /> promotional video about<br /> Jewelove. If you are interested can communicate with us at</p> <p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/Jewelove" rel="nofollow">http://www.facebook.com/Jewelove</a></p> <p>You don't need a high-end camera/ production unit for the purpose. Even a good enough video camera would work!</p> <p>Kindly do not reply here, post your replies at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Jewelove" rel="nofollow">http://www.facebook.com/Jewelove</a></p> <p> Best regards </p> <p>Jewelove (TM)</p> <p>A Legacy of Over 100 Years!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.twitter.com/JeweloveIndia" rel="nofollow">http://www.twitter.com/JeweloveIndia</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.jewelove.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.Jewelove.blogspot.com</a></p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-camera-choice-for-amateur-filmmaker#post-53753 Tue, 05 Jan 2010 21:19:46 +0000 composite1 53753@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Trobi,</p> <p>An 8mm huh? Yeah, you can still get some good looking video far as your shots go. The rules I mentioned in my previous post still apply. However, far as 'eyecandy' shots go a newer cam DV or HDV will beat out analog 8mm. Still though, as I said the rules still apply. You'll have to have a handle on shootin' with ol' paint before you should seriously think about upgrading. Particularly when your broke.</p> <p>After I left the production house I used to work for all I had was a consumer Hi8 camera. But, I learned how to best light scenes for it get the best possible focus and toughest of all was learning to accept its limitations. Try that after working with high-end broadcast video and film cameras! I ended up getting some lens adapters for it and other accessories and was able to turn out some pretty good stuff despite it not being a pro cam. </p> <p>These days with the quality of many of the consumer cams under $1k, with some skills you can shoot some amazing looking stuff. Now concerning your dropping frames, that's always been a problem with 8mm and Hi8 analog converting to digital. You might want to look into a firewire based analog to digital converter. I always keep one around for when I dig up old analog footage or a client wants some footage converted.</p> <p>Normally I would say upgrade, but if you're broke.... However, there are some workable consumer rigs for under $400 in HD that might work for you. Just remember; the cheaper the cam, the less controls you'll have and the more limitations you'll have. Your footage will look better than the 8mm, but if you don't shoot it well it's going to suck no matter what you shoot it with.</p> <p>Here's a link with some HD cam's under $300. Be advised, though the cam's are cheap, they all use the AVCHD codec. You'll need a system and software to deal with it. If you dig around, there are still some inexpensive DV and HDV tape based cam's that will work just fine for what you're trying to do for now.</p> <p><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Camcorders/ci/1871/N/4294548093">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Camcorders/ci/1871/N/4294548093</a></p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-camera-choice-for-amateur-filmmaker#post-53745 Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:23:50 +0000 trobi19 53745@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I am also an amateur filmmaker with lots of dedication to my work.</p> <p>I need some advice when it comes to my current equipment. The only things I have are my </p> <p>laptop with Pinnacle Studio 12 ultimate, and an 8mm analog Canon camcorder. Im currently in college, and can't affort any new equipment at the moment. I always have trouble capturing my video, dropping frames, etc.</p> <p>My question is can I still create great looking videos with what I have? Or is it time for upgrades?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-camera-choice-for-amateur-filmmaker#post-53736 Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:04:50 +0000 composite1 53736@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>OBL,</p> <p>The point of what the others are describing to you is the skills acquired using the equipment you choose will be where your 'professional look' will come from. I've used consumer grade cameras for professional projects and only an expert could tell I didn't use a high-end camera. I am able to do that because I have mastered the basic of shooting. Focus, exposure, composition, framing and camera movements are the basic skills any shooter must acquire to create good looking images suitable for editing. Your camera is merely a tool and all of the filmmakers whose films you've watched from your couch have mastered these skills... no exceptions. </p> <p>Save your money and get something cheap that will allow you to inexpensively learn how all of this stuff works without a great deal of hassle. You say you want HD, why? Are you planning to sell your videos to the Discovery Channel? If not, Standard Def DV is just fine. You can learn to shoot, edit and then post your videos on the 'Tube, Vimeo and other sites. HD is just a selling point. If you aren't using it professionally, you don't really need it. HD TV's can play DV footage with no prob. Just shoot your videos in wide format and the TV will do the rest. If it looks like crap, that's more than likely you haven't mastered those skills I mentioned. </p> <p>On top of shooting, there's editing and that's a whole other monster to deal with. Even with editing, the same rules apply, when you're learning keep it simple and keep it cheap. Nobody's going to sweat you because you don't have a 'pro look' when you're learning. You get a professional look when you've gained professional skills. No exceptions.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-camera-choice-for-amateur-filmmaker#post-53730 Tue, 05 Jan 2010 10:31:02 +0000 film814 53730@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> With reference to a "professional" look, it totally depends on what you wnat to be shooting.  If you want to get the look of a feature film, everything in your budget is likely to fall short.  However, for shooting commercials, music videos, stage productions, documentaries, etc., both Standard Definition and High Definition can look professional.  It also doesn't matter whether you shoot MiniDV, AVCHD, or HDD.  Each have their benefits and detriments.</p> <p>Also, isn't <em>harder</em> to edit per se.  It simply requires more computing power.  You need to determine what you will want to be shooting first.  If you're just getting into video production, there is not real need to shoot HD.  Standard definition will be cheaper, easier on your editing computer, and easier to share with other people.  (MiniDV is not really a thing of the past.  It is still considered by many to be the most stable and reliable shooting medium for independent filmmakers.)</p> <p>To summarize, my advice would be to go with a small Standard Definition MiniDV camcorder, and just start shooting.  While books can be helpful, the best teacher is experience.  So just start shooting and editing and shooting and editing.  You will see your own progress very quickly.</p> <p>Jeremy</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-camera-choice-for-amateur-filmmaker#post-53723 Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:48:18 +0000 OldBullLee 53723@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>haha thanks for the advice, but I'm trying to look for something that could give me a more professional look. I know hd is harder to edit, but im a hard worker and a quick learner. I also heard miniDV tapes are kind of becoming a thing of the past while flash and HDD is the new thing. AVCHD format or something like that?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-camera-choice-for-amateur-filmmaker#post-53708 Mon, 04 Jan 2010 11:44:48 +0000 hmueller 53708@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Making your movies is certainly more exciting than spending hours on the couch!</p> <p>I would like to suggest a dual approach:<br />1) Don't spend your all your money on the camcorder at this point. Get experience first. I would suggest getting the Canon ZR960. It is a miniDV camcorder which will allow you to easily upload and edit your video on MovieMaker (PC) or iMovie on Apple. The ZR960 also allows you to use an external microphone, one of the few at that price that do.</p> <p>2) Spend $20 and buy "The Little Digital Video Book" </p> <p>This will give you an excellent start, and leave some money for pizza while you are out shooting video - also very important.<br />Heidi</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-camera-choice-for-amateur-filmmaker#post-53689 Sun, 03 Jan 2010 15:00:48 +0000 OldBullLee 53689@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I recently decided that as long as I spend so many hours on my couch watching movies, I should get up and try making some. I'm a sophmore in High School, so my budget is pretty low. I'm looking for a solid camera for 500, at most 600 dollars, so any advice on that would be awesome</p> <p>Here's the thing though, there's so many different formats and choices like - mp4 or avi - HDD or miniDV - that i'm completely overwhelmed! If someone could outline or suggest a camera and why, thatd be awesome. I want the footage to be able to be edited, and though i know nothing about editing or software i'm willing to study hard to learn so editing difficulty is not an issue. I'm looking for video quality, and editing capabilities first and foremost.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/use-wooshii#post-44460 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 03:09:49 +0000 wooshiicam 44460@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> This is really a bit of a call for help. We are a new site that is due to launch in Spring 2009. Essentially the site puts film makers in touch with leading brands and agencies that are prepared to commission your work. i.e pay for it</p> <p>We are well backed and have a good number of commissions ready to go live. We do need however a around 100 a filmmakers to come and test the website. See if it works</p> <p>I hope you can join us at <a href="http://www.wooshii.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.wooshii.com</a> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-career-advice-please-help-amateur-hoping-to-find-work-he-loves#post-39833 Tue, 02 Sep 2008 07:37:24 +0000 chrisColorado 39833@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Along the lines of internships, it really helps to show up one day and work for free so they can see you working. it also shows your tenacity that you want the job so bad you're willing to work for free at least one day. Better for you than a job interview.</p> <p>I've done it a couple times, the only way you won't get the job is if you actually can't do the work.</p> <p>You should definitely call and ask them/tell them beforehand. This will also help your status.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-career-advice-please-help-amateur-hoping-to-find-work-he-loves#post-39774 Sun, 31 Aug 2008 20:03:47 +0000 davidrichter 39774@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Don't forget internships.  Every studio I have worked with over the years has some sort of program for it.  Sometimes you can even get college credit and I have yet to see a better way for a newbie to meet people, make contacts and really see how things get done.   </p> David<br />Richter Studios<br /><a href="http://www.richterstudios.com/">http://www.richterstudios.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.richterstudios.com/">Corporate Video Production</a> | <a href="http://www.richterstudios.com/">Interactive CD-DVD</a> | <a href="http://www.richterstudios.com/">Presentation Services</a> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-career-advice-please-help-amateur-hoping-to-find-work-he-loves#post-39668 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 03:56:12 +0000 ghostlyshark 39668@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Thanks!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-career-advice-please-help-amateur-hoping-to-find-work-he-loves#post-39662 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:56:30 +0000 robGRAUERT 39662@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> http://www.volunteermatch.org/search/orgs.jsp?r=msa&amp;l=06792%2C+</p> <p> </p> <p>I just typed in google "non profit organization Hartford, CT" and this was the first link provided by google. Take your pick :)</p> <p>I would be eager to shoot at a for a college/university's science program, but then again, that's because i love The Discovery Channel and History Channel.  </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-career-advice-please-help-amateur-hoping-to-find-work-he-loves#post-39661 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:51:40 +0000 robGRAUERT 39661@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> hartford, CT?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-career-advice-please-help-amateur-hoping-to-find-work-he-loves#post-39660 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:54:18 +0000 ghostlyshark 39660@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>south of hartford</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-career-advice-please-help-amateur-hoping-to-find-work-he-loves#post-39656 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:37:24 +0000 robGRAUERT 39656@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> "You've got me thinking though, what kind of organization around here could I film for?"</p> <p>haha...I dunno. what city are you from? </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-career-advice-please-help-amateur-hoping-to-find-work-he-loves#post-39655 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:33:29 +0000 ghostlyshark 39655@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Thanks, Good advice!, But, I'm actually out of college. This is more of a "hindsight is 20/20" situation. I've got my foot in the door for a big corporation, don't like it. Like I said, I've done video for them. They require all branches to post videos so we get to know each other better... I'm sure you get the point. I created our video, which took hours of fixing and mixing different file types, audio levels, cropping, etc. I even fixed another branch's video. They tried mixing wrong codecs, sizes, file types, sampling rates... a nightmare when it came to editing everything together. And this was after two weeks of no success from the department who is supposed to handle these things! AND, I did it all from work, no luxury of a real video editor, just a couple hours tinkering with files until I got it right. But, I actually enjoyed doing that. So I have recognition from work for doing this, but I see your point- this is not really the right kind of recognition. I am hoping my filming of the wedding goes well and I learn from that. You've got me thinking though, what kind of organization around here could I film for?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-career-advice-please-help-amateur-hoping-to-find-work-he-loves#post-39652 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:22:48 +0000 robGRAUERT 39652@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Ya know. You might be able to skip school and just do the non profit work now, that is, if you're good enough.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-career-advice-please-help-amateur-hoping-to-find-work-he-loves#post-39651 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:19:10 +0000 robGRAUERT 39651@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <blockquote><p> "It is a lot of fun, and I realize now that I would really like to make this a career, but... is this possible?"</p></blockquote> <blockquote></blockquote> <p>Of course it's possible. If it weren't, who would be making all the TV shows and movies. But you don't have to work in broadcast or hollywood to find work. You can do corporate videos, wedding/event videos/ industrial videos. There's a whole bunch of stuff. </p> <p>As far as where to go...you sound like you like shooting and editing. I can't tell you which school to go to. That's up to you to do the research. There's so many good schools out there, and it's more about what you make of it than it being a "good school"</p> <p>Unfortunately, you sound like you're not the age of a typical college student. But fortunately, people can might take you more seriously and view you as a professional. I suggest doing free work for non profits in your area. I know, I know...we all need to make money. But I can tell you that handing over school projects to an employer isn't as great as going out and finding your own work and handing them that.</p> <p>Also, working for different non profits, or any organization, expands your experience. For example, you can possibly make a video for the science program of a university. You can do one for their medical program. You can do stuff for the animal rescue league. You can make corporate videos for non profit orgs. After you do a bunch of videos, you can create a demo reel and sample work that looks like something that could be on The Discovery Channel, TLC, and you have corporate video under your belt. It's about getting the experience so that people know what you're doing. Anyone can dick their way though school. At my school you can suck and still get an A just cause you did the project. Going out and getting real experience and working with real people in real life situations will lead to the legit job, and that's when you start getting paid.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-career-advice-please-help-amateur-hoping-to-find-work-he-loves#post-39648 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:57:58 +0000 ghostlyshark 39648@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi. I am sort of a newbie when it comes to film making. I've always had a passion for it, but never a means to accomplish anything. Now that I finally have some money, I actually own a good digital camcorder. I love filming with every excuse I get. I have done a short film for work and will film a wedding next month! I spend hours on Sony Vegas Pro whenever I have an editing task, experimenting and trying to create the best result. It is a lot of fun, and I realize now that I would really like to make this a career, but... is this possible?</p> <p>My current job feels like a dead end. Even if I were to get promoted, I do not enjoy corporate world, standard business casual attire, and 15 minute coffee breaks. They will pay for school, but it has to be related to work... not going to cut it for me. So I am willing to attend, and pay, for school, courses, seminars, whatever I need to break into a career I love. But that still leaves me wondering where I should go and what exactly I should do. So please, if you have a suggestion for me, please let me know! Perhaps you've been there yourself. I've got my game face on and am ready to take action. I just need a little direction!</p> <p>Thanks,</p> <p>gs</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/newbie-need-lots-of-advice#post-38349 Tue, 15 Jul 2008 21:09:31 +0000 P63 38349@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>"Alex, I'll take 'Rhymes with <strong>Noobies</strong> for $200'"</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/newbie-need-lots-of-advice#post-38298 Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:18:34 +0000 Aspyrider 38298@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Dangit, there not "Thingies, their "Boobies"! Get it right! LOL</p> <p> LOL</p> <p>L.</p> <p>:-D</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/newbie-need-lots-of-advice#post-38290 Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:23:47 +0000 rebe 38290@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I am interested in all opinions so thanks for sharing yours. </p> <p>I am having lots of fun with these shorts!  I have thought about interviewing people, but I am not sure what all the legalities may be.  I am most comfortable and most myself interviewing so I appreciate the suggestion.</p> <p>PS-Thanks for watching more than 15 seconds! </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/newbie-need-lots-of-advice#post-38279 Mon, 14 Jul 2008 07:20:58 +0000 birdcat 38279@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Rebe -</p> <p>Maybe invest in a green screen and key in a better background (like a virtual set) using differing shots (wide to tight).</p> <p>As others have said, a better mic would be great - There's too much echo - even a lav would be better.</p> <p>As for social commentary, I think there's way too many folks telling me what they think already - but then there's a huge market now for stuff like that, and while demand may be large, so is supply.</p> <p>Just MHO.</p> <p>PS - I watched your thingies for more than 15 seconds...</p>