http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Community Forums » Tag: budget - Recent Posts en Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:51:42 +0000 http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/budgeting-for-medium-budget-movie#post-57989 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:01:34 +0000 composite1 57989@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I must have been fortunate. The school I went to you learned basic budgeting in Scripwriting 101  ( I had to take it as a Graduate, very valuable class.)</p> <p>I'm sure there are a number of books and software out there on the topic. On the 'short and sweet' sides take a look at "Producing &amp; Directing the Short Film &amp; Video" by Peter W. Rea and David K. Irving. Though it's one chapter, they do talk seriously about how to budget. Recommended software, "Movie Magic Budgeting and Scheduling" MM Screenwriter and those two work together and I've used them to work out large projects without a lot of hassle. Granted you can do all of that stuff with Win Excel, but you'd have to build it all from scratch.</p> <p>If you've got the cash to spare, definitely hire a pro to do your budget and don't get mad when they start harping on you about where the cash is going.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/budgeting-for-medium-budget-movie#post-57988 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:43:36 +0000 robGRAUERT 57988@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Yea, I don't remember going over budgeting in school either. </p> <p>Anyway, i think you should hire a professional to help you out. That's a pretty big budget, and I think if you have to ask how to go about budgeting, then that's a sign that you should probably ask for help...nothing wrong with asking for help.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/budgeting-for-medium-budget-movie#post-57980 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:16:49 +0000 jacmelien 57980@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I don't remember learning much about budgeting in film school. I have a (2) two million dollars budget for a movie and I would like to know if I should budget it the same way I would a $20,000 movie or should I hire a professional to do the budget? The movie is set to release in DVD. I plan to use $200,000 for equipment because I don't want to use my old gear.</p> <p>Any feedback is appreciated.</p> <p><a href="mailto:jacmelien@aol.com">jacmelien@aol.com</a></p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/speed-hd-8tz-full-4-part-review#post-54103 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:03:33 +0000 wwinter86 54103@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi</p> <p>I just made a four part video review on the budget 1080p camcorder, Speed HD-8TZ.</p> <p>Please check it out and let me know what you think as it's my first tech review.</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/freefullvideos#p/c/D97BDC5F75E02E02" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/user/freefullvideos#p/c/D97BDC5F75E02E02</a></p> <p> </p> <p>P.S I hope this is the right section of the forum for this.</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/writing-a-proposal#post-52252 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:53:34 +0000 dreambigmg 52252@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Thanks for the information guys, really appreciate it.</p> <p> </p> <p>i guess I was just curious on what the proposal entails and now it makes more sense. </p> <p> </p> <p>Composite1, thank you for the link. I actually have that exact book and it is very helpful. I just need to go through it again and re-read the proposal part.</p> <p>thanks guys</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/writing-a-proposal#post-52249 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:57:27 +0000 composite1 52249@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Dream,</p> <p>It really depends on what company or individual you're courting as a potential client. Some companies won't give you directions to the exit if you don't submit a project proposal. Others are like Grinner described and 'only want the facts.' You'll have to research the company you want to pick up and find out how their preference for submitting contract bids.</p> <p>It won't kill you to learn how to write them though. Writing proposal's is something every serious producer should know how to do. Just remember that writing a proposal for a corporate video production is slightly different than for a film intended for broadcast or theatrical release.</p> <p>To give you an idea of what a typical proposal will look like and some other great info on running your production co. take a look at "The Independent Video Producer: Establishing a Profitable Business". I used it and a number of other books to get my co' off the ground and it really pointed me in the right direction. If you decide to pick up a copy, get it used for less than $10 bucks. Worth the money.</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Independent-Video-Producer-Establishing-Profitable/dp/0240803396/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1258242467&amp;sr=1-2">http://www.amazon.com/Independent-Video-Producer-Establishing-Profitable/dp/0240803396/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1258242467&amp;sr=1-2</a></p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/writing-a-proposal#post-52230 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:54:39 +0000 grinner 52230@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> No need for a template. You can start with your regular letterhead or blank invoice and just list your charges and total it. I don't even do that, as a one man band. I simply send an email with my flat bid or I tell them when they ask me how much. It's as easy as multiplying my hourly rate by how long it will take me. Don't think you lose clout by keeping it simple. They like simple and if they are seeking multiple bids, you'll be the first one in by keeping it simple. As they discuss bids, it's easy to see who they'll go with when the conversation goes "well company A says they'll do it for x amount plus expendables and revisions. Dream Big will hand us a master and 20 DVDs for 20 grand and will have it finished in two weeks."</p> <p>they really do like simple.</p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/writing-a-proposal#post-52227 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:23:51 +0000 dreambigmg 52227@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I am looking for some tips on how to start, polish and master writing proposals for my company. If you guys have any links, examples, experiences please feel free to share.</p> <p>We are talking with a local hospital that may need a coporate video done (potential big budget) and I would like to have a professional proposal prepared.</p> <p>any info would be great!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-recommendation-for-best-budget-avchd-corder#post-50282 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:51:35 +0000 Evan Patrick 50282@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ </p> <p>Yeah you are going to want to get the Canon Vixia HFS10 or HFS100. Next price range would be the Panasonic HMC150. The budget lapel mic you want is the Azden 105 series. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-recommendation-for-best-budget-avchd-corder#post-50236 Thu, 20 Aug 2009 07:59:01 +0000 NormanWillis 50236@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I need a recommendation for the best budget AVCHD camcorder, both in SD and in HD.</p> <p>My friends are going to film a bunch of speakers, and then send me the raw data on DVD's. They just plan to put a camcorder on a tripod, attach a simple clip-on lav mic, and then shoot. Then they plan to dump the data to a DVD, and then do that again for eight days. Then I will pick up the pieces from here.</p> <p>My friends are clueless about three-point lighting and all that, and I don't want to overload them. I just need to give them a simple recommendation about which AVCHD camcorder and clip-on lav mic they can get, on a budget.</p> <p>Thanks very much for your help.</p> <p>Norman </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/no-budget-film-school#post-45424 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:55:20 +0000 macphilia 45424@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Fellow Filmmakers,</p> <p>No Budget Film School will be happening again in LA on May 30 &amp; 31,<br /> 2009. I missed it last time and was really bummed, so I wanted to<br /> announce it here.</p> <p>It's a two-day weekend seminar that teaches the craft of making a solid<br /> feature film with virtually no budget. I've taken a shorter version of<br /> the course and it was awesome. Plus, during the weekend version, there<br /> are some really accomplished filmmakers who have made successful no<br /> budget films.</p> <p>There are some serious discounts too, but even the regular price is way low. Here's the link:<a href="http://www.nobudgetfilmschool.com/"> No Budget Film School<br /></a><br /> <br /> Peace,<br /> Chris B.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-budget-cg-for-older-analog-gear#post-43795 Wed, 11 Feb 2009 11:57:19 +0000 AlanPeterson 43795@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I just received a nice inexpensive little Grass Valley 110 switcher which will be installed to handle a multi-camera webcast accompanying a radio show.  This switcher has a downstream input, so I'm now hunting for something that will give me graphics, lower 3rds etc.</p> <p>The boys in the front office don't much like the idea of having to go $1k to $3k for a little CG box, and would prefer something that will reflect the "budget" aspect of the overall project and still give me what I need. Has anyone discovered any software solutions that might prove helpful to me, preferably one that can work with a non-pro-level video output card from a common PC?</p> <p>Thanks for whatever you can suggest.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/filming-full-speed-racing-atv-racing#post-42809 Sun, 04 Jan 2009 18:06:19 +0000 RockstarRider 42809@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>yeah  the GL2 is going to do great recording quad racing...have heard a lot of good stuff about it..</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/filming-full-speed-racing-atv-racing#post-42783 Sat, 03 Jan 2009 16:13:40 +0000 EarlC 42783@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>GL2 is a GREAT standard definition camera, decent sound from in-cam mic, but I do often use a shotgun mic, and it is capable of producing 16x9 widescreen and GREAT glass (lens), plus the noted Canon image stabilization.</p> <p>I seriously doubt, used or otherwise, you'll find one in decent shape and with accessories for $1K - these puppies are still selling for high dollar most places and only someone looking to offload a overworked one, or in desperate need of money is going to let his/hers go for less than $1.5K. The resale value of these cameras remains high.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/filming-full-speed-racing-atv-racing#post-42764 Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:29:43 +0000 jjkrol0601 42764@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I agree with with rob for that pricerange a canon gl2 is probably your best bet i have researched them and they have good quality although not hd. the stock mic on it has pretty good crisp audio.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/filming-full-speed-racing-atv-racing#post-42763 Fri, 02 Jan 2009 15:08:08 +0000 robGRAUERT 42763@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> When I first got into video, I got a Canon GL2. Shoots a great image outdoors. You should be able to find a used one with accessories for $1000 or less. </p> <p> If you buy a used one, always buy it in person to make sure the equipment is working properly.  </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/filming-full-speed-racing-atv-racing#post-42762 Fri, 02 Jan 2009 14:52:04 +0000 wcollum 42762@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Let me begin by saying that I am a new to the whole camcorder scene. I am wanting to get into filming quads and try to make my own video.  I am currently a rider and I would like to know what a good camera would be.  I am looking for a good clear picture.  The sound isn't a big issue since most to all atv racing videos use music instead of sound.  Although, price is a issue I would like to know the best bang for the buck.  I would like to keep it around $1000 or less if possible.  I wouldn't mind useing used equipment as long as its in good condition.</p>