OK, so I'm sort of in a pickle =)

ernesto

ernesto

Well-known member
Alright, so I'm in high school and recently started saving up for a DVX with a part-time job. I've got about $400 saved up. However, my friend and I wrote this script that we really like. It's for a 12-minute short and I'm not going to claim that it's the next Citizen Kane or anything, but I really like the story, and I think the story is good enough to make it into some high quality film festivals. However, right now I don't have the equipment to make this short film look good. I have a single chip camera, no lighting equipment, and some audio equipment.

So I was thinking of joining IFP as a student for $55, and renting a GL-2 for the weekend ($75), or maybe an XL-2 ($150) as well as a nice Arri kit ($60) and then submit the short to festivals. Now, if I do this, then I'm probably not going to get the DVX as soon as I hoped since making this movie would set me back about $300 if not more.

So basically, what advice can I get from the experts here? Wait for the DVX to make the short (about 8 months) or should I rent all this equipment and make the short in maybe a month or two?

Ernesto.
 
Instead of spending all that money, why not find someone in your area to buddy up with? There has to be somebody near you with a camera, who is itching to make something.
 
Rent or coordinate with other members and hire a DP or operator with their own gear.

EDIT:

Hire Horse to DP and shoot, he brings lights, camera, and drunken action
 
I'd wait.

And, during the wait, rewrite and rewrite and rewrite the script. And scout locations. And audition actors. And gather costumes & props. And look for folks willing to part with some cash for good sound (!!!important!!!) and lighting equipment.

After all, if the idea is good, it'll still be good in 8 months.

But that's me.
 
If you end up deciding to rent and this idea that you have turns out really well and does well in some festivals maybe that will generate enough buzz for other people to lend a hand next movie. And those people might have the gear you need. Even if it does't do that well, there will be people who like it or least it will get some publicity via word of mouth.

Most importantly, don't give up on it, get it done!

Good luck!
 
I would make the short in a month or two. You don't make films because of the DVX, you make films because you love to make films. You don't know where you'll be in eight months time, you could be busy, or you may be in a different place.

If you can do it now, rent something, but get it done. You can do some pretty amazing things with worklights, a couple reflectors, and some negative fill. You don't need an arri kit.

And like everyone said, buddy up with someone who has equipment, even better if they have more experience and can help you get the most from your short.
 
Hell... buy me a round trip on the Greypuppy, feed me, put me up on a couch, and I'll bring my HD100 and gear. Hookers and booze optional ;)
 
If you can find someone with equipment, great, otherwise I would save up for the DVX.

Once you have the camera, you can shoot as often as you want.

Chris
 
My .02? go out and shoot a "rough cut" with your little single CCD camera, makeshift lights, and zero budget. Bring it back and cut it up... if you can get it to come out alright with zero budget, you'll know you're on to something.

AND... you get that much more practice and experience to know what you need to change/improve on for next time, if you decide to give it another go with pro gear.

You've got nothing to lose my way, except a little time.
 
rcbrown23 said:
My .02? go out and shoot a "rough cut" with your little single CCD camera, makeshift lights, and zero budget. Bring it back and cut it up... if you can get it to come out alright with zero budget, you'll know you're on to something.

AND... you get that much more practice and experience to know what you need to change/improve on for next time, if you decide to give it another go with pro gear.

You've got nothing to lose my way, except a little time.
Click to expand...

That seems to be the most logical to me.
 
For what it's worth...Once you get the DVX, the list of needs never ends.
Dollies, cranes, mic's, lights, more lights, faster dollies, higher cranes, blah, blah, blah and then the tranny blows on your car and your girlfriend gets pregnant...Get out now while you still can!!!:)
 
Mino said:
For what it's worth...Once you get the DVX, the list of needs never ends.
Dollies, cranes, mic's, lights, more lights, faster dollies, higher cranes, blah, blah, blah and then the tranny blows on your car and your girlfriend gets pregnant...Get out now while you still can!!!:)
Click to expand...

That's hilarious... only because I know EXACTLY how you feel (except the pregnant girlfriend thing).

Deep breaths my friend, deep breaths.:)
 
Mino said:
For what it's worth...Once you get the DVX, the list of needs never ends.
Dollies, cranes, mic's, lights, more lights, faster dollies, higher cranes, blah, blah, blah and then the tranny blows on your car and your girlfriend gets pregnant...Get out now while you still can!!!:)
Click to expand...


*Sigh* I have never heard truer words. The list goes on and on.
 
I agree, it never ends. Bought an XL1s and a GL1, all the gear I thought I'd need, ended up selling the XL when we needed the cash quick to close on our house. Sold that house, got a HD100. Now I'm working on replacing all the old kit with newer pro gear.
 
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