So, ever since I've been reading this forum (which is much longer than I've started posting) I've heard so much about this "Hollywood Camera Work" dvd set that is supposed to drastically improve your skill with composition, blocking...etc. So, now, I'm finally gonna shell out the cash for the dvd set. Problem is, with the holidays coming up fast, I'm on a tighter budget than usual, so I was wondering if anyone knows if I can use both the Holiday discount ($120 off) and the Dvxuser discount ($150) together... or if its one or the other. Just trying to save some cash. Also, I've been wondering if the dvd set comes with a 3d blocking program or anything of the sort. Thanks!!
The hollywood camera work dvd... some questions
- Thread starter KOHR
- Start date
Ted Spencer
Veteran
I just bought one, and no, the discounts are either-or. And the dvxuser discount is now $120, just like the holiday one. The list price of the set was lowered recently, so the discount was lowered as well. It's $280 now, after the discount, plus shipping. It was $289 for me with ground shipping coast to coast, which took 5 days.
A very fair deal, I think.
thematthewbone
Well-known member
the dvds will change the way you look at blocking.
the first dvd says they will teach you each concievable shot and explain why and when to use this shot. and it does. the dvds are completely worth the 280 dollars. as a matter of fact it is almost a steal at that price.
the first dvd says they will teach you each concievable shot and explain why and when to use this shot. and it does. the dvds are completely worth the 280 dollars. as a matter of fact it is almost a steal at that price.
Jim Brennan
VHS Member Old Skool
Their value FAR exceeds their price.
craigbowman
Veteran
At the local Arts and Technology Centre every student coming into the digital cinema program is issued their own set of HCW DVDs as part of their resource materials. The kids really learn how to do proper coverage. Its kind of a dvxuser's dream centre for gear. The first of the Red Ones is expected at the end of this month.
Jim Brennan
VHS Member Old Skool
THe local library networks with a bunch of other libraries in the country through something called World Cat for interlibrary loans. I did a search for the HCW vids a couple of years ago and found only one scholl that had them, in Minnesota. But they wouldn't lend them.
I asked a colleague who lived in St Paul to go and check them out at that school. He said they were boring, with primitive animation. Needless to say, he and I no longer work together.
I asked a colleague who lived in St Paul to go and check them out at that school. He said they were boring, with primitive animation. Needless to say, he and I no longer work together.
Well you guys, I bought the masters set about a day ago, and it should be here by monday! I'm really excited to start watching these with my partner and I'll make sure to take down some notes. However, I'm sure I'll wind up watching it several times. In addition, my XH-A1 shows up on tuesday! Woohoo, gotta love the holiday season!
Jim Brennan
VHS Member Old Skool
The one recommendation is to take your time watching them. It probably took me 3 or 4 viewings to have a reasonable handle on the depth of the first DVD alone. A lot of it seems simple, but it's the kind of stuff you really need to internalize to be able to move on effectively.
You can skim them and learn a few good tricks. Or you can study them and have a true understanding that will serve you for a life time.
You can skim them and learn a few good tricks. Or you can study them and have a true understanding that will serve you for a life time.
ESTEBEVERDE
Veteran
How many hours are each of the disc.
How many hours of watching and practicing do you think it will take to master the info?
How many hours of watching and practicing do you think it will take to master the info?
ESTEBEVERDE
Veteran
Be sure to let us know how the discs are and congratulations on your camera purchase!!! :beer:
Drew Ott
Wish I were banned.
About an hour and a half per disc.
It's going to take a lot of practice to "master" the information. You can know the information, but when you get into the field and you have to choose from your arsenal, having watched it 3-5 times will definitely help you.
ESTEBEVERDE
Veteran
Cool.
Is it really really good.
Is it good enough to use as a text in a film class?
Is it really really good.
Is it good enough to use as a text in a film class?
Drew Ott
Wish I were banned.
snodart
Veteran
HWC DVDs are great. Well worth the $. I admit, I have nodded off a handful of times while watching them... The woman talks pretty fast and one can only look at those CGI people for so long 
Seriously though, the DVDs rule. They rank right up there with Google in my at-home film-school arsonel.
Seriously though, the DVDs rule. They rank right up there with Google in my at-home film-school arsonel.
ESTEBEVERDE
Veteran
Thanks guys!
I will check it out for sure.
Snodart, I just say your herofest short again and boy was I impressed.
Are these disc where you learned your blocking or?
I will check it out for sure.
Snodart, I just say your herofest short again and boy was I impressed.
Are these disc where you learned your blocking or?
Gohanto
Veteran
It's good and almost essential for a beginner, but one thing to keep in mind that the DVD doesn't mention is how style plays a part in decision making. You can move the camera to reframe a shot and it may look pretty, but if the character you're following is submissive to others in the scene it may be better to have him walking in and out of frame rather than a move where he controls the frame.
I'm not saying it's not helpful, I just wouldn't recommend using any camera moves ONLY because it looks cool or saves camera angles needed.
I'm not saying it's not helpful, I just wouldn't recommend using any camera moves ONLY because it looks cool or saves camera angles needed.
snodart
Veteran
ESTEBEVERDE said:
Thanks. Actually we did the hero fest entry before hearing about the HCW DVDs. We just sort of did what looked right... pulling from the experience of having watched other movies of course. Now having seen the HCW DVDs, many of the reasons as to why some of the shorts worked is much more clear. The DVDs are just a huge reference to have around to get you through complicated scenes.
Of course you don't have to follow the techniques exactly, but it is better to break "rules" only after you understand what the "rules" are. And the DVDs lay it all out very well.
At any rate, save up and buy them. I've seen them on ebay too (you own risk of course).
Wow, I just finished the first DVD. Very impressive, my head might just explode with all the new and valuable information that the first dvd gave me. I must admit, I thought the price was a little steep, but just by seeing how awesome the first dvd was, it seems like the dvd set is going to be worth every penny! Can't wait to watch more!