Videomaker Community Forums » Tag: filmmaking

Videomaker Community Forums » Tag: filmmaking - Recent Posts http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Community Forums » Tag: filmmaking - Recent Posts en Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:58:21 +0000 Andrew Chandler on "Accuracy Films- YouTuber" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/accuracy-films-youtuber#post-72843 Sat, 26 Nov 2011 08:12:24 +0000 Andrew Chandler 72843@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hi, my name is Andrew Chandler.. I run a YouTube channel called "AccuracyFilms" and enjoy making any kind of short film that comes my way, but my main focus is action.. Please subscribe to my channel if you have an account with YouTube and support me by watching my videos... Tell me what you think!! YouTube Channel- <a href="http://www.youtube.com/accuracyfilms">http://www.youtube.com/accuracyfilms</a> Latest Video- <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3w4DP0srdw">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3w4DP0srdw</a> Julie Babcock on "Film enthusiast hoping to share and improve knowledge" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/film-enthusiast-hoping-to-share-and-improve-knowledge#post-70135 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:16:27 +0000 Julie Babcock 70135@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Thanks for sharing, Fadly. Experimenting is one of the best ways to learn new techniques. Fadly Hussin on "Film enthusiast hoping to share and improve knowledge" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/film-enthusiast-hoping-to-share-and-improve-knowledge#post-70045 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 10:53:22 +0000 Fadly Hussin 70045@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ I hope you all don't mind viewing my blog to check out relevant film/videomaking information with me on this blog. It will help me as well as you(Learning never stops and I need to learn from the gurus here). I got some websites that may be of use to us all=] <a href="http://www.fadlywychowvski.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.fadlywychowvski.blogspot.com</a> Orlando136 on "Canon Vixia Hf20" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/canon-vixia-hf20#post-60044 Sun, 04 Jul 2010 00:43:27 +0000 Orlando136 60044@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Sorry for taking too long to answer but thank you for everything. I've been making a few short clips just to test the shutter speeds and some of them really improve the look of my videos and i'll soon be getting some of those Azden microphones. rexomus on "Canon Vixia Hf20" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/canon-vixia-hf20#post-59994 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:01:21 +0000 rexomus 59994@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Using different shutter speeds will produced a better feel to your footage when motion is involved. Videomaker had a good article about making your footage appear more film like. <a href="http://www.videomaker.com/article/12720/">http://www.videomaker.com/article/12720/</a> also, read this article too <a href="http://www.videomaker.com/article/13747/">http://www.videomaker.com/article/13747/</a> As for sound. Depending on the project, I use wireless lapel mics. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Technica-PRO-88W-Wireless-Microphone-171-045/dp/B000SMVH1G/ref=cm_cr-mr-title">Audio Technica</a> pro-88w is a good one for $150, and the microphone canon makes for the camera, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Canon-2591B002-Directional-Microphone-Camcorders/dp/B0012ILNK0/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=ILIU0ITIXKALR&colid=2TMEAPJU4FHRM">2591 B002</a>, that fits right in to the mini shoe is good to. hmueller on "Canon Vixia Hf20" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/canon-vixia-hf20#post-59983 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 05:52:49 +0000 hmueller 59983@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Azden.com is a good source of inexpensive mics. They have a stereo shotgun mic for about $100 Orlando136 on "Canon Vixia Hf20" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/canon-vixia-hf20#post-59981 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 01:08:06 +0000 Orlando136 59981@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Thank you for your replies. To hmueller: thanks for the sugestion as I was not sure what was the best procedure. Another thing you said that has always bothered me was sound quality.. I'm thinking about buying one of Canon's DM-100 directional mic but is there another good alternative that doesn't cross the $100 dollar range? this also goes to rexomus and anyone who had this camera or thinks they can help. To rexomus: so are you saying that changing to 1/48 is the better way to do it? and thankz cause I thought I had to set it to 24p but you're right. The footage is still 60i, just with the look of 24p. rexomus on "Canon Vixia Hf20" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/canon-vixia-hf20#post-59976 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:13:22 +0000 rexomus 59976@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ I had the same issue with the HF200, same as the 20 but no internal memory. I have found that if I change the shutter setting to 1/48, the film effect is amplified. Also, when editing in Sony Vegas Pro, set your properties to 1920x1080 @ 60i. 24p on the Hf 20 and 200 is just an effect. All the footage is captured at 60i regardless. I hope this helps. hmueller on "Canon Vixia Hf20" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/canon-vixia-hf20#post-59974 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:20:53 +0000 hmueller 59974@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Whenever possible, do the white balance in camera at the time of shooting. The Canon is great. I am not sure about your model though. The Canon HV40 and the HF S20/21 should shoot 24P natively. There are many effects in Sony Vegas but you should concentrate on your shooting tecnique first. Make sure that you use a tripod wherever possible, and that your focus is sharp. Blurriness and non-smooth video is more likely caused by technique rather than the fact that you are using 24P. The success of your films will be determined by your sound quality. Be sure to use good external microphones with manual level adjustment which the Canon allows. Heidi Orlando136 on "Canon Vixia Hf20" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/canon-vixia-hf20#post-59961 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 09:09:14 +0000 Orlando136 59961@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hi! I'm new here and I would like you guys to give me some ideas on how to make The Canon Vixia's 24p (through pulldown) to look even more like film because my videos have that sort of blurriness that you find in film but they don't run as smoothly. The image is great but isn't there a plug-in for Sony Vegas 8.0 Pro to make everything more "dreamy" and soft? Thankz I am working and trying to be a filmmaker and I've been reading a lot about filmmaking so I bought a couple of books and I can say I'm a little bit knowlegeable about what to do as a director but I don't have a lot of money to rent a Genesis or a Panavison camera so I have to work with what I have. I'll keep you updated about my first effeort. I wrote 2 scripts, 1 es suppsed to be a short and the other almost a feature lengh film (maybe 70 minutes long). I hope to start shooting by July so any help would be more than welcome. :) Another thing..do you think I should make the whole white balancing process in-camera or doing the post-production? composite1 on "Tips from the Guy Who Invented DSLR Filmmaking" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/tips-from-the-guy-who-invented-dslr-filmmaking#post-59932 Tue, 29 Jun 2010 08:02:12 +0000 composite1 59932@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ I ran across these two vids interviewing Vincent Laforet the 'Father' of DSLR filmmaking. It was his short film "Reverie" made with the Canon 5D Mk II the Photographer turned the Digital Film industry on its collective head. Now barely two years later, he is now a premiere DP and expert in DSLR filmmaking. In this interview with the Phoenix Group, Laforet gives his views on types of lenses to use with your Canon DSLR rigs and tips on the best ways to shoot your images to make life easier in post. <a href="http://vimeo.com/12917316">Vincent Laforet, Episode One: Shooting with EF Lenses</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3447564">The Phoenix Group</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. <a href="http://vimeo.com/12917908">Vincent Laforet, Episode Two: Camera Settings</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3447564">The Phoenix Group</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. composite1 on "Call for Entries: Electric Cinema" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/call-for-entries-electric-cinema#post-59694 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 15:37:28 +0000 composite1 59694@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Okay, anyone interested in this contest better read the terms and conditions first. Everything I found particularly pertinent I've bolded: Target Group Filmmakers Selection Criteria DRAFT TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR ELECTRIC SHORTS COMPETITION GENERAL RULES 1. The Electric Shorts Competition (the "Competition") will be governed by these terms and conditions (the "Terms") and by submitting an entry to the Competition entrants agree that they have read and understood these Terms and will be bound by them. 2. The promoter of this Competition is Soho House Limited with its registered address at 72-74 Dean Street, London, W1D 3SG, with company number: 03288116 (the "Promoter"). The Promoter's media partner is Empire Magazine ("Empire"), and the Promoter's prize partner is Mercedez-Benz. 3. This Competition is open to the general public aged 18 and over, excluding employees and immediate relatives of employees (defined for the purpose of these Terms as husband, wife, mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter, or persons residing in the household of such employees), of the Promoter, Empire and Mercedes-Benz and/or of their respective parent companies, subsidiary companies, affiliated companies, advertising and promotion (including public relations) agencies or any other person professionally connected with this Competition. THE COMPETITION 1. This is a two-stage Competition: - Stage 1 - Entries are submitted and seven Finalists are selected by a Panel to receive a Prize Grant to make an Electric Short; and - Stage 2 - a Winner is chosen from the Finalists by online public vote. TIMING 1. Entries must be submitted by the closing date at midday on 1 July 2010 (the "EntryÂ Period"). 2. Following selection, Finalists will be required to complete the Electric Short ready for screening, by 1 October 2010. 3. A public vote will be conducted online after 1 October 2010, and the Main Prize will be announced following the results of the online vote. HOW TO ENTER 1. Each entrant to the Competition (an "Entrant") must visit the competition website: <a href="http://www.talenthouse.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.talenthouse.com</a> (the "Website") during the Entry Period and submit their name along with a written proposal of no longer than 400 words for an Electric Short (an "Entry"). DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION ON YOUR SUBMISSION. If you are a finalist, you will be asked by an employee of Talenthouse Inc. to provide your contact information, to forward on to the judges. 2. For the purposes of these Terms, the proposed Electric Short must: - be no longer than two (2) minutes including titles and credits; - be directed and produced by the Entrant; - reflect the theme of 'Desire'; - be set in one of the following Soho House Group locations: -- i. Babington; -- ii. Dean Street Townhouse; -- iii. Cowshed; -- iv. Soho House New York; -- v. Shoreditch Rooms; -- vi. Soho House Berlin; and -- vii. High Road House (an "Electric Short"). 1. By submitting an Entry, Entrants confirm that all information provided is true and accurate to the best of their knowledge and belief and that the Entrant has the right to submit the Entry. 2.If any Entrant is determined by the Promoter to have breached these Terms they will be disqualified. In the event that a Finalist is disqualified the Promoter will choose another Winner at random from the other Entries submitted during the Entry Period. 3. The Promoter accepts no responsibility for lost, damaged, incomplete or delayed entries. Proof of entry is not proof of receipt. No Entries will be returned. RESTRICTIONS ON ENTRY 1. All proposals for Electric Shorts: - must be original; - must not have been made into a film previously by the Entrant; - must have been made specifically for the Electric Shorts Competition; - must not contain any illegal, antisocial, obscene or defamatory subject matter; and - must not infringe any third party intellectual property rights. 2. Entries are limited to one (1) Entry per person. Multiple Entries will be void and the Promoter reserves the right to disqualify Entrants who attempt to make multiple Entries. 3. Entries received outside of the Entry Period will not be eligible to win a Prize. 4. Entries that are incomplete will be deemed invalid. No responsibility will be accepted by the Promoter for Entries lost, delayed or damaged in transmission. SELECTION OF FINALISTS 1. A list of seven finalists, one for each Soho House Group location, will be chosen by a panel of judges which includes industry experts such as Kris Thykier, Claudia Winkleman, Mark Dinning, Andy Harries, Rebekah Gilbertson, Amanda Posey, Finola Dwyer and Duncan Heath (the "Panel") using the following criteria: - originality; - creativity; - reflection of the theme of 'Desire'; and - use of the Soho House Group locations. 2. The finalists will be notified by phone or email within ten (10) days of the decision of the Panel which shall, in any event, be given no later than six (6) weeks following the end of the Entry Period. 3. If a finalist does not confirm acceptance of the Prize Grant and the Prize Grant Terms and Conditions (as defined below) within ten (10) days of notification then the finalist will be deemed to have forfeited his/her position in the final and the Promoter shall re-allocate the position of finalist by choosing another finalist using the criteria listed at clause 17 above from the other Entries submitted during the Entry Period. This process shall be repeated until a finalist accepts his position in the final and is identified as a finalist (a "Finalist"). 4. Each Finalist will receive Â£5,000 in cash (allocated in local currency), from the Promoter to make their Electric Short along with such reasonable pre-approved travel and accommodation expenses as agreed in advance, in writing, between the Promoter and each Finalist (the "Prize Grant"). 5. For the avoidance of doubt, the Promoter, Empire and Mercedes-Benz are not liable for any costs of the film over and above the Â£5,000 grant (allocated in local currency), or any other pre-approved travel and accommodation expenses as agreed in advance in writing by the Promoter. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AND CLEARANCES 1. In order to receive the Prize Grant each Finalist is required to sign up to terms and conditions regarding the shooting specifications, clearance rights and the licences to be granted to the Promoter (the "Prize Grant Terms and Conditions"). 2. The Prize Grant Terms and Conditions will require certain licences to be granted to the Promoter, Mercedes-Benz and Empire in relation to the Electric Short, however any intellectual property rights in the Electric Short will remain the property of the Finalist. 3. As stated above, any finalist who refuses to sign up to the Prize Grant Terms and Conditions will be deemed to have forfeited his or her position in the final and the Prize Grant. HOW TO WIN 1. The winner will be determined by public vote on the website <a href="http://www.electricshorts.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.electricshorts.com</a> for a period following submission of the Electric Shorts on 1 October 2010. THE MAIN PRIZE 1. The Winner will receive a complimentary Soho House Everyhouse Membership for two (2) years subject to Soho HouseÃ¢â?¬â?¢s standard membership terms and conditions, as advised at the time the membership is granted to the Winner (the "Main Prize"). 2. The Winner is responsible for all other costs incurred as part of the Main Prize including but not limited to all beverages, spending money, meals or travel costs. 3. There is no cash or other alternative to the Main Prize stated and the Main Prize is not transferable and no part or parts of the prize may be substituted for other benefits, items or additions. Notwithstanding the above, in the event that the Main Prize is unavailable, due to reasons beyond the reasonable control of the Promoter, the Promoter may at its absolute discretion vary or amend the Main Prize offered under this Competition, provided that any alternative prize offered in replacement of a the Main Prize shall be of equal or greater value than the original Main Prize. NOTIFICATION 1. The Promoter will initially attempt to notify the Winner by telephone within fourteen (14) days of the end of the public vote and will follow up by written confirmation either by post or e-mail. 2. In the event that the Promoter cannot for any reason contact the Winner within seven (7) days of first notification or should the Winner fail to get back in touch with the Promoter within four (4) weeks of first notification the Winner will be deemed to have forfeited the Main Prize and the Panel shall re-allocate the Main Prize by choosing another Winner from the Finalists. This process shall be repeated until a Winner claims the Main Prize and is identified as the Winner. 3. Upon acceptance of the Main Prize the Winner will be contacted by the Promoter within ten (10) days with details of how to redeem the Main Prize. 4. The Winner may be required to provide a written acknowledgment of acceptance of all the Terms of the Competition prior to receiving the Main Prize. 5. The Winner of the Main Prize is responsible for all applicable taxes and expenses not specified in the prize description. 6. The Promoter reserves the right to select an alternative Winner in the event that the Promoter has reasonable grounds for believing that a selected Winner has contravened any of these Terms. 7. The Promoter's decision is final with respect to any aspect of the Competition, including the determination of the Winner of the Main Prize. No correspondence will be entered into. PUBLICITY AND PERSONAL DATA 1. Finalists agree to participate in publicity activities pertaining to the Competition as connected with the Promoter, Mercedes-Benz and Empire, including interviews and appearances in photo and video content. 2. By entering this Competition, Entrants agree that the Promoter may disclose their name and county on the website <a href="http://www.electricshorts.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.electricshorts.com</a> and in promotional material in the event that an Entrant is selected as a Finalist or Winner. 3. Any personal information, including without limitation, the entrant's name, age, address (including postcode), telephone number and/or email address will be used solely in connection with this Competition and for any purpose for which the entrant specifically opts in and will not be disclosed to any third party apart from the Promoter, Mercedes-Benz and Empire Magazine except for (a) the purpose of fulfilling the prize(s) where applicable and (b) for any purpose for which the entrant specifically opts in. Any personal information held by the Promoter in respect of any Competition will be held on record for a reasonable period to fulfill the purpose for which such personal information was collected. MISCELLANEOUS 1. Each provision excluding or limiting liability is to be construed separately and will apply and survive even if for any reason any of the other provisions are held to be inapplicable or unenforceable in any circumstances. Each of the provisions excluding or limiting liability will remain in force notwithstanding any termination of these Terms. 2. The Promoter shall not be liable for any delay in performing or partial or total failure to perform any of its obligations to the Entrants under these Terms if such delay or failure is caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control including without limitation delays, changes, disruptions, cancellations, diversions or substitutions howsoever caused including without limitation as a result of war, terrorist action or threatened terrorist action, strikes, hostilities, civil commotions, accidents, fire, flood or natural catastrophes or arising without limitation out of or in connection with (i) the activities of third party event organisers; (ii) any form of transportation (including but not limited to flights, trains, coaches, buses, ferries, taxis or cars). Â For the avoidance of doubt, the affected Entrants shall be solely liable for any additional costs incurred as a result. 3. The Promoter reserves the right, at any time and from time to time, to modify or discontinue, temporarily or permanently, the Competition with or without prior notice due to reasons outside its control (including, without limitation, in the case of anticipated, suspected or actual fraud). The decision of the Promoter in all matters under its control is final and binding. 4. Nothing in these Terms shall limit the Promoter's liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence of the Promoter and/or deceit or fraud by Promoter. 5. These Terms may be amended or varied at any time by the Promoter on notice. No waiver of any rights by the Promoter or any entrant will be taken as a waiver of any other rights it may have. For example, if the Promoter waives its right to complain about a particular breach of these Terms by an entrant, it does not prevent the Promoter from complaining about other breaches. 6. These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales and any disputes shall be subject to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts. 7. Any queries regarding the Competition should specify the name of the Competition and be addressed to: Soho House Group, 72-74 Dean Street, London, W1D 3SG. Submission requirements Submit your written proposal in PDF format. It must reflect the theme of Desire in no more than 400 words. Entries must be submitted by July 1 2010 talenthouse on "Call for Entries: Electric Cinema" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/call-for-entries-electric-cinema#post-59693 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 15:10:05 +0000 talenthouse 59693@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Submit your pitch to create a short film for Electric Cinema <ul> <li>Win £5,000 to create an Electric Short film at a Soho House Property </li> <li>Host: Electric House/Mercedes-Benz</li> <li> Pitch your film proposal themed on “Desire” in no more than 400 words, and win the opportunity to shoot it for real at a Soho House property. This summer the Soho House Group will launch the Electric Shorts film competition, supported by Mercedes-Benz and in association with Empire Magazine. Electric Shorts will give both unknown and established filmmakers the opportunity to have their work championed by a group of film and media experts, plus the chance to win £5,000 to make a film which will be screened at the world famous Electric Cinema. (BEFORE YOU ENTER, PLEASE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE RULES AND TERMS LOCATED UNDER THE DETAILS SECTION) </li> </ul> TO PARTICIPATE: -Write a 400 word pitch themed on "Desire" -Go to <a href="http://tlnt.at/ajMMWC">http://tlnt.at/ajMMWC</a> -Log in to your Talenthouse profile and click the 'Participate' button -Submit your pitch in PDF format talenthouse on "Call for Entries for Paris Fashion Week Screening!" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/call-for-entries-for-paris-fashion-week-screening#post-57882 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:01:42 +0000 talenthouse 57882@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Make a Fashion Film to be featured in "A Shaded View on Fashion Film" <ul> <li> Have your film screened as part of the ASVOFF opening in Paris</li> <li>Host: Diane Pernet & Tavi Gevinson</li> <li> International fashion icon Diane Pernet presents A Shaded View on Fashion Film 2010, the third edition of Paris’s annual film festival dedicated to Fashion, Style and Beauty with special guest judge superstar fashion blogger Tavi Gevinson. They have created a once in a life time opportunity for all die hard fashionistas and emerging fashion filmmakers to submit their best fashion film feature or short around the theme of Fashion, Style or Beauty and be featured in this prestigious fashion film festival. The selected filmmaker will have his/her film screened as part of the next edition of ASVOFF opening in Paris. </li> </ul> <ul> <li>SUBMIT YOUR VIDEO HERE: <a href="http://bit.ly/asvoff_blg">http://bit.ly/asvoff_blg</a></li> <li>Deadline is July 12, 201</li> </ul> composite1 on "Some Straight Dope on Film School" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/some-straight-dope-on-film-school#post-53128 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:57:43 +0000 composite1 53128@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Shippo, Going to filmschool is just like you going to school to be an engineer. You don't have to go to university to build stuff either. However, people willing to spend money for you to professionally design structures or machinery will be much more confident in your ability if you did. Now having an engineering degree won't make you a great engineer. It will still come down to your talent and passion for the work. All the degree does is give you the opportunity to explore the field in a controlled environment and gain other needed information in a short period of time. I've been to technical schools and universities for study of film & tv production both as a novice and a returning professional. The thing I got from those experiences is the opportunity to work in a controlled environment where I got specific feedback on my work and the opportunity to work with others who may be potential collaborators outside the school environment. I could have just as easy gone out and slogged through it with just a camera and some books on my own. But just because I could have done it that way did not mean I ever would have known what I was doing. Filmschool is not an 'end all' solution. Whether you go to school or apprentice you're still going to have to work and build up your skills, reel and rep. Though amateurs get lucky sometimes, a trained pro doesn't have to rely on luck. Going to filmschool is no guarantee you'll work in the film & tv biz just like having an engineering degree is no guarantee you'll be an engineer. But, having the training does lower the odds for you. shippocaio on "Some Straight Dope on Film School" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/some-straight-dope-on-film-school#post-53127 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:35:48 +0000 shippocaio 53127@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ I don't think it is worth going to film school nowadays... I mean, i rather just get a degree in engineering (my family is a family of engineers, and no one has ever been without a job since they graduated) and then, after my life is stable, pursue my passion. Making videos is getting easier and easier every single day... for example, my cousin, who is 6, can get the camera, record some stuff, go to Movie Maker, render the movie, and burn it to a DVD. Now, imagine in 30-40 years. I think what really differentiates one video maker to another is not if they went to college or not, but how creative they are. Take those "Computer Classes" for old people in your local library as an example (Not sure if yours have it, but mine does). It teaches how to use the internet for old people. But nowadays if we see one of those classes, someone is probably going to say that it is just pathetic, because it is just a part of our lifestyle. I am sure the same will happen to film school. Well , that's the opinion of an 14 years old... =] composite1 on "Some Straight Dope on Film School" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/some-straight-dope-on-film-school#post-53115 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:56:39 +0000 composite1 53115@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ On occasion there have been some discussions on whether potential filmmakers should go to filmschool, just jump into the industry from the ground up or just get a camera and start shooting. As someone who got into the industry as a mixture of all the above, it's been my experience that some of each doesn't hurt. In this discussion of 'Film Fellas'Â the topic of going or not going to filmschool goes to the real-world expectations and the realities one faces when deciding which path to take into the industry. <a href="http://vimeo.com/7943354">FilmFellas - webisode 26</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/zacuto">Zacuto USA, Steve Weiss</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. composite1 on "Serious advice for aspiring Doc makers" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-48217 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:03:51 +0000 composite1 48217@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ The toughest thing I've found about making documentaries hasn't had anything to do with the production aspects. It's always been with festival boards. I've made enough doc's to make them interesting enough to watch. Whenever I'm able to get any of them in front of an audience so far it has always been the subject matter that has sparked debate not any technical foibles which is as it should be. The difficulty is getting stuff past those (when you can't say anything nice...) festival boards. Man, if your film isn't the 'flavor of the month' or reach the board participants specific tastes, fuggeddaboutit! If I see one more doc about starving kids in africa with AIDS and so on.... Not that it isn't an important subject, but it isn't the only subject out there. The whole purpose of documentary filmmaking is to 'document' a subject and present it in the visual medium. Those subjects can involve anything, but since the primary place for screening docs is film festivals if you have to start making your film's to what you think a review board will accept, that defeats the whole purpose of making a doc. That's one of the reasons you keep seeing the same thing over and over. Doc's may be information inspired works, but they ultimately have to be 'marketable' in order to reach an audience. You're piece can be a flawless work of filmmaking that touches the heart and enlightens the mind. But, if some festival board or distributor doesn't think it will sell, no one will see it. jimcvideo on "Serious advice for aspiring Doc makers" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-48179 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 04:20:36 +0000 jimcvideo 48179@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ In my spare time, I moonlight as a standup comedian and a member of a comedy improv troupe, and I'd rather work on 10 documentaries (or any other genre films) than 1 comedy, although I do plan on shooting a full-length comedy one day. The problem with comedy is that there's just so much potential for failure. Heck, half the time when I watch my own jokes after the fact I don't even find them all that funny. (It's a good thing most comedy clubs serve alcohol). As far as documentaries go, I'm working on one right now, and it should be pretty impressive when it's finished. I'm still in the preproduction stage, but I'm taking pointers from folks who've been around the block a time or two. I'm not saying it'll be a Ken Burns masterpiece, but it should be pretty good. zoobie on "Serious advice for aspiring Doc makers" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-48178 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 01:52:11 +0000 zoobie 48178@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Composite, I saw your other thread but don't have time for the movie. I actually enjoy well put-together docs like on the history/learning channel. I just don't like making them because there's no challenge in filming an interview, having the subject do most of the performing, etc. I'm currently with the buskers and every video I've seen is a doc. I've been burnt in half from all these same docs. Homemade amateur docs are the worst. That's half the reason why I'm making a comedy movie. I don't know why but I thought comedy would be the easiest. But when I think of the risks Mel Brooks took, you're probably right. Some of it worked and some bombed. Most of the comedy I've written so far is slap stick/visual and shown in fast motion just like the old silent cinema. I need to practice writing more comedy with dialogue. Now, that's a challenge... composite1 on "Serious advice for aspiring Doc makers" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-48170 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:44:30 +0000 composite1 48170@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Zoobie, You have my absolute respect as a comedy writer. Of all the genres comedy is the hardest. My sense of humor is mad dark and rarely does that translate well to movie audiences. My latest film is a horror spoof of Reality TV's inevitable solution to ratings. There's stuff in there that will make you laugh, but I only put it in there to offset all of the 'other stuff'. To purposefully humorous through an entire film... Uhy! Though I've been working on narrative projects more, I haven't given up on docs. In fact, I'm gearing up for post on two big doc projects. You'll be happy to know that one is more of a 'news style' expose' on different topics and the other is a subject I've never worked on before. Now, it's in a genre I've seen good and horrible renditions of the topic, which is why I'm taking a little time to really look at the footage and see where it wants to go. I'm on the fence about which is 'easier' between docs and narrative. Both have their challenges and depending on how big the project is, you'll still have to deal with other people's foolishness while trying to get job done. If you get some spare time, take a look at the 'Writing on Spec' Thread. The video attached is probably something you can identify with. zoobie on "Serious advice for aspiring Doc makers" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-48167 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 15:27:59 +0000 zoobie 48167@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Ha ha...Yes, I drew the line at one. I find them boring, awful, and trite with lots of sleepy interviews. My interests are simply different. I don't find talking heads interesting. I chuckle when I see someone doing another doc on an already worn-out subject. Then, they've the nerve to make another on the very same subject! That's why the article needs to be reprinted monthly in every video magazine and website. Fortunately, the only way I got thru my easy doc was making it a docu-comedy. I'm into comedy writing now and it's fantastic. I've a performing, teaching, and writing background which helps a lot. I run some of my ideas past friends and, the last I looked, they were laughing their heads off. Then they get into the spirit and help me out, too. (I've just written something for someone else a few hours ago that I know he's going to use.) Everytime someone new is around, they get inspired to get a camera and start doing their own stuff. I don't know how many people I've influenced to get a camera. That's what teachers do...inspire others to grow, expand, and learn. However, writing and actualizing are 2 different things. I have to hire actors to perform the way I need them. Shooting is more challenging than the actual script writing. I make all the music, too. I'll never do another doc...just too much fun creating other stories that have yet to be told. composite1 on "Serious advice for aspiring Doc makers" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-48164 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 13:35:17 +0000 composite1 48164@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Zoobie, Hoss you sound like you've still got your 'smolder on' after getting burnt being involved with a doc. The 'delusion of groundbreaking' you mentioned can plague (and often does) narrative filmmakers, musicians and other artists as well. I've made or been involved with the making of a lot of docs and have been fortunate to learn the craft from some really good people. When I read the article, I shook my head through it saying, 'How could you not know this stuff? It's basic filmmaking?' I then remembered that I've been at this a while, have had some really good training and had the opportunity to work professionally making product. Many people who get involved with filmmaking lack one or more of those critical bits when they start making their films. As anyone who's done this more than once should know, it is all too easy to 'fall in love with making a movie' during the production process. I've seen it happen to musicians when they go into the studio and I've certainly seen it (and done it unfortunately) during production. When a filmmaker gets too involved with the 'cool points' of making a movie, they've fallen in love with it and just like when one is in love, they'll miss all the important little details about the relationship that pops up. Not that filmmaking shouldn't be enjoyed, but you kind of have to treat it like your 'pet chicken'. Yeah you love old 'Clucky', but when you have to you'll eat him. Doc's are 'easy to make' as they take far less money and resources to get made, but are so much harder because a good doc maker will allow the story to 'tell itself'. Every doc I ever saw that 'sucked on ice' was obviously not allowed to do that. Documentary filmmaking is like the 'found art' Picasso and other artists since made with bicycle seats and other junk that was laying around. Before they manipulated it to be something specific, it was just a bunch of unrelated stuff. Doc's are like that, a bunch of stuff you shot to tell a story you concieved that ends up being something you didn't. Usually, what you end up with is so much better than you thought of originally. zoobie on "Serious advice for aspiring Doc makers" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-48163 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 13:10:44 +0000 zoobie 48163@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ The article needs to be reprinted over and over again month after month because docs are the most popular and easiest to make. Any idiot can make one because the subjects do all the work. The result is yet another mistake heaped upon mountains of mistakes. The tired format of making a doc about making a doc rests at the summit. I'll bet festivals are fed up with the same doc subjects year after year after year...even refusing some because they've already got one for that year. Bands are performers. Performers are more interesting because they actually do something...anything. They're also screwups which are fun to watch. Don't ask me how I know... composite1 on "Serious advice for aspiring Doc makers" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-48161 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 11:41:29 +0000 composite1 48161@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hey all, Making docs are more often a labor of love. Despite the difficulties Doc makers can face, real gems get made. Here's a couple I've found that combine 'compelling subjects' and 'interesting locations'. Both are about how two types of American music and culture have had their influence on people in places most could not imagine. Without being a 'spoiler' I present 'Wu Tang Gran' and 'Heavy Metal in Bagdad'. The first is an 8min + short and the second is a feature 1hr 24min. If you can't sit in front of your 'puter for an hour plus, I do understand. However, both are very good and surprising. <a href="http://www.snagfilms.com/films/title/wu_tang_gran/">http://www.snagfilms.com/films/title/wu_tang_gran/</a> <a href="http://www.snagfilms.com/films/title/heavy_metal_in_baghdad/">http://www.snagfilms.com/films/title/heavy_metal_in_baghdad/</a> composite1 on "Serious advice for aspiring Doc makers" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-47905 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:28:03 +0000 composite1 47905@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Earl, Glad you enjoyed it. I initially thought that it might be too high-end for many of the novices who read Videomaker, but I do believe the earlier they get this stuff the better. EarlC on "Serious advice for aspiring Doc makers" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-47888 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:08:16 +0000 EarlC 47888@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Good read. Interesting approach. Eye-opening use/application for Twitter. Good points, and should be well-taken by all but the most thin-skinned of individuals (usually those who cannot handle the truth, thus over-react). Thanks for the find and posting, enjoyed and appreciated the read. composite1 on "Serious advice for aspiring Doc makers" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-47880 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 06:17:06 +0000 composite1 47880@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ For all of you who aspire to create documentary films, here is an article by Basil Tsiokos a veteran film festival programmer on what not to do when producing documentary films. Apparently some feel his criticisms are too harsh, but as a filmmaker who cut his teeth in the biz making documentary films I found his points were well made. Also, Mr. Tsiokos being an 'insider' for the selection of film festival (Sundance) and public television (POV) programming I think he's definitely worth checking out. I also think that 'old hands' at doc making would do well to turn an eye to the article for it reaffirmed the lessons I've learned over the years. Let me know what you think. <a href="http://www.indiewire.com/article/good_advice_documentary_dos_and_donts_from_a_vet_programmer/">http://www.indiewire.com/article/good_advice_documentary_dos_and_donts_from_a_vet_programmer/</a> alexclara26 on "Industry events at the Edinburgh Film Festival 2009" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/industry-events-at-the-edinburgh-film-festival-2009#post-47850 Sun, 14 Jun 2009 11:18:09 +0000 alexclara26 47850@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ H Edinburgh Film Festival 09 is round the corner and FilmLive.TV are there to catch it. In association with EIFF, FilmLive.TV will cover the star-studded, talent leaden events that will take Edinburgh by storm between June 17th and 28th, 2009. FilmLive.TV is an innovative WebTV channel for filmmakers and film lovers. Launched at last years festival, FilmLive.TV broadcasts free, TV quality content directly to a web audience, inaccessible on demand across multiple formats and channel. FilmLive.TV has been granted unlimited access to all industry events where will showcase a side of the EIFF that hasn't been seen before. FilmLive will upload the main events, review, frenzy and daily highlights of the 2009 EIFF. 12 days of film, mayhem, and madness, uploaded daily, online, to FilmLive.TV, all the top video sites, the official EIFF website as well as a podcast on iTunes. So Catch the latest interviews, film reviews, new talent, cutting edge technology, only on FilmLive. <a href="https://webmailcluster.1and1.co.uk/xml/deref?link=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.filmlive.tv">http://www.filmlive.tv</a> birdcat on "Call for entries Coney Island Film Festival" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/call-for-entries-coney-island-film-festival#post-47729 Wed, 10 Jun 2009 07:43:27 +0000 birdcat 47729@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ I grew up in Coney Island (Nathans, Astroland, Abe Stark Ice Skating Rink, etc...) - I lived on West 5th Street & Neptune Avenue (on the border of Coney Island and Brighton Beach). This kinda makes me wish I were still there. Maybe I should take my old super 8's and convert them to digital....