Amateur Filmmaking

[Mr Element]

Alright, so I've always loved movies and especially been fascinated by movie-making. Only problem is, until now I haven't had the time or resources to actually acquire a decent camera and mess around making my own stuff.

So is anyone here really into film making that could offer some advice. I need an alright camera, accessories and editing software. I'm not looking to film Transformers 2 or anything, but I'd like the ability to make somewhat acceptable widescreen film. I want to keep the price tag under 2 grand.

Posting here in screenshots because I'm under the impression that there's a more diverse and talented crowd here. (No, I didn't mistake the word talented for retarded)

[Chips]

Step 1: Go watch "Be Kind, Rewind"
Step 2:???
Step 3:PROFIT

[Ninajrr]

(No, I didn't mistake the word talented for retarded)

Yes you did faggot.

[Salshun]

Originally Posted by Mr Element

I want to keep the price tag under 2 grand.

Oh you'll spend that on the fluffer alone.

Heh, I think you would learn a lot to just walk into a Best Buy and talk to their camera people about what you're trying to do. Since you seem to be entry level on knowledge and skills you would probably learn a lot and get set in the right direction(equipment, skills, tricks of the trade, etc.) And you would get to avoid that whole "newb!" thing you might run into in a camera specialty shop.

Doing it right is just as much style and experience as it is skills and training. You can have all the knowledge in the world but your own personal style is going to be just as important.

As for software the only program I've used is Adobe Premiere, which I really enjoyed. I'm sure theirs better, I'm sure their is much worse. As with all software their is a direct correlation between your morals and its price. You can get it at Amazon.com..or torrents R' us.

Hope I gave you some ideas/help!

Also make your actresses show ID and sign waivers. You'll avoid a WORLD of hurt later.

[Tullaeniel]

Originally Posted by Salshun

Best Buy and talk to their camera people

Unless they train the camera people to know what the fuck they are talking about I wouldn't listen to a goddamn thing from someone who works at Best Buy chances are the fuckers know less about the products than you do.

[Yutnopash]

Unless they train the camera people to know what the fuck they are talking about I wouldn't listen to a goddamn thing from someone who works at Best Buy chances are the fuckers know less about the products than you do.

^ Amen.

Honestly, if you're just messing around I'd get a handheld digital camcorder for under a grand. Maybe some accessories like a tripod and the whole deal.

You could get like a Canon GL2 with a front mounted mic or a camera of the same type but I'd say that's more about if you're really sure you want to make short films, documentary style stuff and the like.

For editing software theres a ton out there just sift through the specs and what they're able to do and find one for the right price you're willing to pay.

[Salshun]

Originally Posted by Tullaeniel

Unless they train the camera people to know what the fuck they are talking about I wouldn't listen to a goddamn thing from someone who works at Best Buy chances are the fuckers know less about the products than you do.

Well I would obviously ask for someone that knew some shit. I just recommend Best Buy because it's convenient and knowledge wise is the first step. Like reading the first chapter of "Movie making for idiots".

I mean no shit, it's best buy, I know they're not to bright but they know more than a guy that knows nothing.

Also, I would try to find some movie making specific forums on the intertron. That strikes me as a GREAT place to get some basic first-step education.

[Goofy]

Always go for DV tape form for amatuers.

Those recordable DVD discs are horrible.
Film is obviously not for non professionals.

DV TAPE!

[Salshun]

I've heard the Sony HD's are bad ass to no limit.

[Goofy]

Canons are good as well.

[Guild Lackey]

I would recommend one of the newer hd cameras if you can swing it. Otherwise, a dv cam will suffice. Final Cut is the best bet for editing. Other things to think about are lighting (sometime regular lamps work) and sound (might want a camera with a line in and pick up a mic). Depending on the type of film you want to do, you might need more specialized stuff.

[Zarcath]

get a standard def recorder for your first time out. You don't need HD if you're a noob, especially if you're on a budget.

MiniDV format, stay away from harddrives or DVDs.

Whatever you do, DON'T go to best buy and ask for their opinion. Those guys are only trained to sell a piece of point and shoot hardware for soccer moms/dads.

I used this site to do research on my camcorder purchase.

Camcorders - Independent Camcorder Reviews, Ratings & Comparisons

I ended up using this chart - Camcorder Ratings - Reviews, Ratings & Comparisons
and then I looked at the models that were in my price range in the format that I wanted, checked out what features they offered and expandability.

One thing that was really important to me was a MIC IN port, which allows me my choice of external microphone options. A lot of consumer camcorders don't offer MIC IN ports and force you to buy their proprietary hotshoe crap.

I ended up buying a Panasonic GS500, which was the highest rated non-HD camcorder in the 05/06 bracket.

as for editing software, the industry standard is Final Cut Pro, but I personally use Sony Vegas. Both cost big bucks unless you obtain it by some other means. I really have no opinion on Final Cut Pro, but I find the people that use it are pretty snobby about it. Like trading witty anecdotes while drinking starbucks kind of snobby. Whatever you do, don't use windows movie maker. And if your computer doesn't have one, you'll need an IEEE expansion card.

[Usha Starchild]

Why are you guys reccomending against HD?

I checked out the links posted by zarcath and all the NEW review are saying similar things

"Canon also realize that tape-based (HDV) high definition camcorders are on their last legs. HDD and solid state memory are taking precedence, and it wouldn’t be surprising if this is the last time their consumer HDV line receives any significant upgrades. The real question is this: should you hunt for a cheap HV20, or for the slightly improved HV30, or ditch tape altogether and move onto non-linear media?
"

[Madrugan]

RED / Index

There is no comparison. You will be able to rent one for about 150 a day.
EDIT: I am a filmmaker, and I was at NAB and used this camera. It is unrivalled in the prosumer digital world.

[Zarcath]

Originally Posted by Usha Starchild

Why are you guys reccomending against HD?

I checked out the links posted by zarcath and all the NEW review are saying similar things

"Canon also realize that tape-based (HDV) high definition camcorders are on their last legs. HDD and solid state memory are taking precedence, and it wouldn’t be surprising if this is the last time their consumer HDV line receives any significant upgrades. The real question is this: should you hunt for a cheap HV20, or for the slightly improved HV30, or ditch tape altogether and move onto non-linear media?
"

1. He's new to this
2. He's on a budget

solid state memory is still rather new technology and such its pretty expensive to get your hands into. MiniDV is fine for basement operations. Plus, editing, publishing and playback of HD footage, as a consumer, isn't a very friendly process. Why would he want to spend thousands of dollars to film in HD when he's going to end up converting it back to SD?

Not to say that I haven't thought about HD myself. if I had the money I would buy a HD Solid State Camera. Infact I'd love to get my hands on a Panasonic HVX200. They cost $3-4k though