Unprofessional? Please offer your opinion.

Noel Evans

Noel Evans

Mod V3 New and Improved
Staff member
Thoughts please.

I have spent a solid year working on and reworking a script. Now I have something with appeal.

I planned to shoot this on a DVX in September, but with the advent of the XH A1 arriving in October I am having second thoughts about my schedule.

In this instance I feel I have a product that has appeal. My concern is purely based on shooting in SD. I know I can get good results from the DVX and the main difference I expect to find with the A1 is in HD only. I just dont want to shoot this and then think why didnt I wait, I would hate to regret that choice. I am concerned about future acceptance and the greater possibilities that come with shooting HD. Whilst I am aware that the story makes the product and distribution is a vague possibility, I have discussed personally with people and seen it on these very boards regarding the restrictions of SD.

Rammifications: I have had a casting call and given the thumbs up to a few actors. The schedule has not at this stage been set but I did say September. So, there is a possibilty this could annoy some / one or two and they want out. I think I could accept this given the time I have to wait anyway would allow me to reorganise.

But, would this be unprofessional of me? Thoughts?
 
You know, that's life. I don't think it's particularly unprofessional and if those people you were going to work with want to be big time they will need to understand that projects get postponed and sometimes get totally scrapped. This is a business not fun so in the real world, things happen and it's nothing personal. They ought to realize that. Maybe they may be in your feature when you're ready.

I think you should be cool about it if they want out though. The table works both ways, and actors are definitely flighty folk.
 
Personally I think if you explain to them that you are getting a "better camera" which would increase the chance of your getting distribution, thereby increasing the chance of wider exposure for your actors they should be fine with it.
 
Do what must be done to have the best result. If this means soe actors are lost in the process, then so be it. The end result is what matters and there's plenty more actors waiting in line.

Spend September planning, planning, and tightening the script. Good luck.
 
IMO, how much of a difference will it make by waiting for the new camera, would the new camera improve your Actors ability? Would it Better your Story? Would the new camera make your Cinematography better? You have to think would those things be improve based on the camera.

Now I know this has been discussed hundreds of times, the look of the film matters, but I've seen some great looking work on the DVX here, so it's all about your crew, good lighting etc..

Don't get me wrong, it definitely helps if the film looks fantastic, but ultimately if you're looking for distribution, the new camera won't play a major part in that. You're talking like you have to settle on shooting in Hi-8 or something, it's the DVX, use it right. Just MO.

But ultimately it's your personal choice. Good luck
 
Thanks for the comments all.......... really appreciate it.

capitalP I dont disagree with what your saying at all but as I said:

"I know I can get good results from the DVX and the main difference I expect to find with the A1 is in HD only. I just dont want to shoot this and then think why didnt I wait, I would hate to regret that choice. I am concerned about future acceptance and the greater possibilities that come with shooting HD. Whilst I am aware that the story makes the product and distribution is a vague possibility, I have discussed personally with people and seen it on these very boards regarding the restrictions of SD. "
 
I don't think it'd be completely unprofessional. We were in the process of casting Smuggler's Ransom a year ago... then some things fell through, and we had to cancel everything completely... Do what you must to have the best product.

As far as shooting HD, I think if you're more comfortable shooting on the DVX and KNOW you can get good results, go with that for now. A new project isn't the time to experiment with a new camera. Plus, I don't think HD is THAT big of a plus right now, if you're going direct-to-DVD.
 
If you have the window, shoot it now and produce the DVD as a complete
package, ready to distribute. Use the new camera on the next one. There
will always be a newer/better piece of equipment that you could be waiting
for.
 
Seeing how HD is not a proven technology nor are HD-DVD or BLU-RAY done fighting over the market. I believe at this point, shooting on HD wouldn't be the best choice, but wouldn't be the worst either. You could always rent the HVX :)
 
Yeah I have access to a HVX on odd days. Which is no good from a scheduling standpoint. I really dont want to spend that money on rental when: I need to upgrade my camera anyway... the number of shooting days would almost end up costing me the camera or maybe more.

Anyway thanks to everyone for your honest opinions. I am still leaning toward waiting, will meet with my AD this afternoon and make a final decision, plus I am currently waiting feedback from leads as I did mention the possibilty. If they come back and say hey no problem (which I am praying for right now) then there is nothing else to consider. These three actors are truly fantastic and have such wonderful ability. So maybe still will go with the trusty ol DVX.....
 
Here is my opinion. To start, you dont know what the A1 footage is going to look like. Second, if I am correct, the A1 has 24f, which is like 24p, not neccesarily the same. Its called "CineLook" which off the bat, sounds bad.

Nextly, there is no need for HD. It isnt a standard yet, and it has it's disadvantages. 1-second blackouts for dropouts. Difficult lighting. Etcetera. Keep the DVX, and let time tell about the XH A1.
 
pto2212 said:
Here is my opinion. To start, you dont know what the A1 footage is going to look like. Second, if I am correct, the A1 has 24f, which is like 24p, not neccesarily the same. Its called "CineLook" which off the bat, sounds bad.

Nextly, there is no need for HD. It isnt a standard yet, and it has it's disadvantages. 1-second blackouts for dropouts. Difficult lighting. Etcetera. Keep the DVX, and let time tell about the XH A1.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the comment, however we do have a fairly good idea as to the image... uses same ccds as xl h1..... and the process for 24f has been pretty much refined into a non issue. This camera actually has smaller increment image adjusment than its big brother the XLh1, and more functions.

Your statment about lighting is very true, though I feel Im up for it.

"... let time tell about the A1", there always has to be the people willing to jump on board for time to tell, Ill be one of those. Weather I shoot this with the DVX or not I will still be getting an A1.
 
ncje said:
Thanks for the comment, however we do have a fairly good idea as to the image... uses same ccds as xl h1..... and the process for 24f has been pretty much refined into a non issue. This camera actually has smaller increment image adjusment than its big brother the XLh1, and more functions.

Your statment about lighting is very true, though I feel Im up for it.

"... let time tell about the A1", there always has to be the people willing to jump on board for time to tell, Ill be one of those. Weather I shoot this with the DVX or not I will still be getting an A1.
Click to expand...

You got me on the 24f thing, and I agree that the picture probably will be outstanding, but- You dont know what the experience will be like. It could be the most incredibly perfect camcorder, or it could be a nightmare with 3 chips. And in my personal opinion, HDV has not yet proved to me that it is superior. I have watched live and recorder footage of HDV and DVCPro HD, and DVCPro is the clear winner.

And as someone said, the battle between blu-ray and hd-dvd are raging on. Who knows who will win? I dont think neither will. It seems that each major studio has chosen a side, and the have been divided equally, meaning if you want to see an HD movie that is exclusive to HD-DVD, but you bought a Blu-Ray, your pretty much left behind- no chance for you.

In a recent survey, a little more than 1/4 of the people in America (excluding canada) have HD Televisions. Now, I dont know if that was an accurate statement, but it sounds believable. And, correct me if I'm wrong, but compressing HD into SD will kill all virtual quality, leaving what will probably look like a consumer cam's droppings (A little extreme, but it still wont be that good).

Plain and simple, dont wait for HD. Since you cant afford an HVX (I think), keep your DVX. It's no use waiting for a camera that hasnt come out yet. Too much of a depending factor, like Robin Williams and alcoholic addiction counseling. No one knows if it will work, let alone bring any result.
 
Lol man Im feeling what your saying, but the point of getting the A1 at this point in time is not effected by who will win the HD battle. But on that - I can tell you Im seeing more blu ray products on shelves here in Tokyo than HD DVD, burners discs. If the opening goal in a match means anything then blue ray has it here.

It also has little to do with HD TV but a lot to do with output resolution for screening (not including film out).
 
For screening... but dont you need an HDTV to screen. I may have misunderstood what you meant by that last paragraph.
 
ncje said:
"... let time tell about the A1", there always has to be the people willing to jump on board for time to tell, Ill be one of those. Weather I shoot this with the DVX or not I will still be getting an A1.
Click to expand...

Say it again, please.

Your question/qualm is actually a VALID one. And I can see how it's a spittle difficult to decide.

You know what an A1 will do to for the image. And while image isn't everything, well... image is everything.

When you go from the 720p to the DVD Standard Definition it does make a difference. Evin Grant's experience with the HVX to DVD and others have already spoken about it. A1 and HDV is going to be no different. It will look fantastic when finished to a standard-def DVD... and yeah, better than a DVX if the person manning the camera knows what to do.

Things you'd really have to think about are--

Will I have adequate time to train myself on the XH-A1 to produce the best possible image?

Will pushing the production cripple any other facets of the production itself?

Is the DVX capable of doing what I need it to do?

Renting is not an option unless you really have the budget, honestly. I mean, why spend hundreds of dollars to rent an HVX or any other camera when you're about to shell out Thousands in a few months for a new one? It's not a smart decision.

But yeah, I'm with you. Unless Panasonic Announces an AVC-HD camera in the same class/price range as Canon's XH series? I know what camera I'll be taking home in October...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top