Kick in the Pants...

[verde]

Bought the DVX, filters, batteries, tripod (waiting on the quick release plate), have vegas 5, etc. I have a great passion for making films but can't find the first step. Everything I write is too large in scope to shoot (with no budget and currently no actors).

If you can, please suggest some shooting exercises to better learn the camera and the art (once again without script and/or actors). The "just shoot a lot" suggestion isn't cutting it.
Thanks.

[Super Trooper]

As of yet, I don't have a DVX, but when I get it in the next few months I plan to hone my skills by creating music videos to my favorie songs. You can learn a whole helluvalot and build up a demo reel.

Any other suggestions?

[Amahp]

try going to a sports event, basketball, football, etc. Zoom in on the players and follow them while keeping them in focus. That would be a good excercise on getting those good CU pans. You can also shoot nature, birds flying and so forth.. Whatever it is that you are doing, practice is key..

[fixitinpost]

check out the book Practical DV Filmmaking. It gives you a bunch of smaller stuff to try out.

[verde]

All great thoughts so far. Thank you.

[ronik15]

the best way is to shoot and shoot and shoot again. You'll use a many tapes but it's the best way to learn.

[Prairieboy]

Try to record a situation, an event, or even a mundane daily activity. Make it as visually exciting as you can. It will teach you how to find the beauty out of the ordinary, shoot with an eye to editing(you will learn what type of shots you need to edit with), and it will give that editing experience. Add graphics, tilles.
Make your girlfriends brushing her teeth into cinematic genius.
Have fun.