Another Newbie with an Equipment List

A

Actorforsaint7

New member
I've read a few of these types of posts so I realize that there are quite a few people looking for your advice, but I thought I'd give it a shot anyway.

I'm planning on shooting an independent dramatic feature with my HVX200 this summer in New Orleans (I currently live in NYC ... but I'm originally from N.O.). I don't know if this matters but I plan on going the film festival route (Sundance, Tribeca, anyone who will accept me, etc.) Also, the movie is about 50/50 as far as interiors/exteriors.

I've yet to buy any accessories, lights, sound, etc (I do have a nice camera case and 3 good batteries though). I thought I'd list what I'm leaning towards and hope that you guys (and gals?) could point out any glaring mistakes/no-no's. Such as: you don't really need to spend THAT much on such and such or ... you're really gonna need something better than that, pal. Or ... these two items won't work together.

Of course, much of this is a matter of opinion, but reading through all the threads, I haven't seen too many opinions I didn't respect. You seem to be incredibly knowledgeable.

So here it is:


Tripod:
Cartoni F102: $1400

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=375088&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Haven't heard a bad word against this system.



Record to:
FS-100 Firestore: $1830

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=432232&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

I've heard about the 1394 problems, but it sounds like if it's mounted correctly, that can be minimized. Decided not to get any p2 cards ...



Stabilization:
DV Sportster w/ Flowpod: $1350

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=383596&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Hope this can hold everything I need it to (Mounted Firestore, Monitor, etc.) and still produce good shots (I do have a pretty good camera man)



Matte Box:
Indie Snap: $300

http://www.indiesnap.com/hd.html

This is somewhere I've chosen to save a little bit of money. Any differing opinions?



Filters:
Tiffen 4x4 Clear Premium: $135

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=127820&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Do I need a permanent (screw on?) protective filter instead ... or in addition to?


Tiffen 4x4 Film Look Kit: $700

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=248578&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

People either love or hate this idea ...



Monitor (Mounted on Camera):
Marshall 7in: $1350

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=391161&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Question: Do I need anything more than what's in the link to ensure that I have sufficient power to my monitor? Does it tie into the camera's power? Do I need to buy a good battery and charger?



Follow Focus:
Indifocus: $300

http://www.indifocus.com/product.html

Another place I thought I'd save a buck. Hope it doesn't physically get in the way of anything else on the camera (i.e. mounted monitor, mounted firestore, matte box, etc.)



Audio:
Audio-Technica AT4073A (with boom pole & accessories): $1000

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=68317&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

So, is recording sound directly into the camera going to sound professional enough or do I need an external recorder? Also, do you think I need a wireless mic system? If so, I was looking at this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=324242&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

$500 ... Isn't this only 1 mic though?


Lights:
I'm probably going to get one of the Arri or Lowel Kits
$2000


There are a few more things I have to consider:

-I'm thinking of getting a Brevis or an M2, but does that render some things I've listed obselete (i.e. matte box, filters, follow focus)? Would these be compatible? Would I have to rethink some things if I get one of these?

-I don't have a field mixer listed here. That's because of my lack of knowledge on the subject. Anyone have any suggestions? Does it make a difference in mixer if I decide to record to the camera or to an external device? Anyone know a good external device?

-I thought of getting the SCOPEBOX:

http://www.scopebox.com/store.html

Realistic alternative to Marshall monitor AND FS-100? I know I'd lose some mobility ...

-I have an editor who has all his own equipment. All I know is that he has a G5 and uses Final Cut.

Thank you so much if you've read all of this. Any feedback is appreciated.

 
Regarding the monitor, you will need to buy batteries/charger, V mount for that Marshall, or an external 12v battery with correctly wired XLR connector. You will also need something to mount the monitor, like a Noga Arm, or some alternative less expensive option. Some links to example items below your BH link.
 
I would recommend hiring or finding someone with their own equipment for sound and lighting. You can post a request on sites like mandy.com Many people are willing to volunteer their time for nothing but credit. You might get lucky.
 
Actorforsaint7 said:
I've read a few of these types of posts so I realize that there are quite a few people looking for your advice, but I thought I'd give it a shot anyway.

I'm planning on shooting an independent dramatic feature with my HVX200 this summer in New Orleans (I currently live in NYC ... but I'm originally from N.O.). I don't know if this matters but I plan on going the film festival route (Sundance, Tribeca, anyone who will accept me, etc.) Also, the movie is about 50/50 as far as interiors/exteriors.

I've yet to buy any accessories, lights, sound, etc (I do have a nice camera case and 3 good batteries though). I thought I'd list what I'm leaning towards and hope that you guys (and gals?) could point out any glaring mistakes/no-no's. Such as: you don't really need to spend THAT much on such and such or ... you're really gonna need something better than that, pal. Or ... these two items won't work together.

Of course, much of this is a matter of opinion, but reading through all the threads, I haven't seen too many opinions I didn't respect. You seem to be incredibly knowledgeable.

So here it is:


Tripod:
Cartoni F102: $1400

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=375088&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Haven't heard a bad word against this system.



Record to:
FS-100 Firestore: $1830

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=432232&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

I've heard about the 1394 problems, but it sounds like if it's mounted correctly, that can be minimized. Decided not to get any p2 cards ...



Stabilization:
DV Sportster w/ Flowpod: $1350

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=383596&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Hope this can hold everything I need it to (Mounted Firestore, Monitor, etc.) and still produce good shots (I do have a pretty good camera man)



Matte Box:
Indie Snap: $300

http://www.indiesnap.com/hd.html

This is somewhere I've chosen to save a little bit of money. Any differing opinions?



Filters:
Tiffen 4x4 Clear Premium: $135

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=127820&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Do I need a permanent (screw on?) protective filter instead ... or in addition to?


Tiffen 4x4 Film Look Kit: $700

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=248578&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

People either love or hate this idea ...



Monitor (Mounted on Camera):
Marshall 7in: $1350

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=391161&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Question: Do I need anything more than what's in the link to ensure that I have sufficient power to my monitor? Does it tie into the camera's power? Do I need to buy a good battery and charger?



Follow Focus:
Indifocus: $300

http://www.indifocus.com/product.html

Another place I thought I'd save a buck. Hope it doesn't physically get in the way of anything else on the camera (i.e. mounted monitor, mounted firestore, matte box, etc.)



Audio:
Audio-Technica AT4073A (with boom pole & accessories): $1000

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=68317&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

So, is recording sound directly into the camera going to sound professional enough or do I need an external recorder? Also, do you think I need a wireless mic system? If so, I was looking at this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=324242&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

$500 ... Isn't this only 1 mic though?


Lights:
I'm probably going to get one of the Arri or Lowel Kits
$2000


There are a few more things I have to consider:

-I'm thinking of getting a Brevis or an M2, but does that render some things I've listed obselete (i.e. matte box, filters, follow focus)? Would these be compatible? Would I have to rethink some things if I get one of these?

-I don't have a field mixer listed here. That's because of my lack of knowledge on the subject. Anyone have any suggestions? Does it make a difference in mixer if I decide to record to the camera or to an external device? Anyone know a good external device?

-I thought of getting the SCOPEBOX:

http://www.scopebox.com/store.html

Realistic alternative to Marshall monitor AND FS-100? I know I'd lose some mobility ...

-I have an editor who has all his own equipment. All I know is that he has a G5 and uses Final Cut.

Thank you so much if you've read all of this. Any feedback is appreciated.
Click to expand...
Wow you are lucky you can afford all that eqipment. But i think you dont need all that to do a great film. You can buy an affordable miniDV 3 ccd or a HD prosumer camera (you already have a good camera) and invest in a good 35mm adapter. Just remember that is not the equipment really what make a good film is the way you shot and the passion you put on it and of course a good story to tell and how much you let the audience know about the story. Just my 2 cents.

p.d. why do you need a 1,400 tripod for? are you insane? ged rid of the tripod. that kills good shots and wonderful compositions.
 
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