Advice for old home-movie look

[Mj882]

I'm planning on shooting a short film with my HPX171e/Letus combo. The entire film will be shot in 1080/25p, however there will be scenes where a character is watching supposedly "home video" footage on his television.

When I say home video, I'm refering to the video tape camcorders around in the late 80s - 90s (ones before digital camcorders).

What would you suggest to best replicate that look in terms of camera settings etc/production and also post-production.

[wplate]

How about if you shot those elements with a VHS camera?

[Mj882]

Wouldn't that be expensive? On a budget

[Blaine]

I don't think it would be expensive you could find a VHS recorder. I haven't seen one in years.

What you CAN do is watch some old VHS and see the look of it. Then recreate it in post with filters. Keep in mind that you probably want it 4:3, too.

[Mj882]

Ah yes 4:3 it must be. In terms of recreating it, it's got quite a subtle look to it (unlike 8mm etc), might just be easier to try and get hold of a VHS camera and then have it transfered to the pc.

[wplate]

In my area VHS cameras are being sold on Craigslist for about $25.

Another approach might be to shoot in HD, but then put it in an SD sequence and record it off to VHS. Then capture that VHS back in.

[Mj882]

Ah that's a good idea wplate. I might just end up doing that actually

[freshbeats]

In my area VHS cameras are being sold on Craigslist for about $25.

Another approach might be to shoot in HD, but then put it in an SD sequence and record it off to VHS. Then capture that VHS back in.

You can also take an old VHS from 10 or so years ago, so you'll get the aged magnetic tape look. Or perhaps an old VHS movie from your collection. Just stick a piece of scotch tape over the no-record tab.

Also, make sure you're shooting in 4:3 DV 480i/30P. I'd probably keep the audio from the camera's track, as your sound engineer might have better filters than a VHS pass-thru.

[Mj882]

So would you suggest DV 480I/30p to be best for VHS type look?

[freshbeats]

I'd say these are your best bets:

A) Shoot on a VHS camera recording over a 10+ year old VHS tape.

OR

B) Shoot DV 480i/30p, run through Magic Bullet with a Telecine Net Warm (or similar) filter, export over a 10+ year old VHS tape, then import.

Best of luck!