2-Camera DV shoot or 1-Camera HD ?

A

andy_starbuck

Well-known member
I'm shooting a pilot for a mini series. Actually, the first two episodes, which are to be cut together into a feature for promotional purposes. Its all on my nickel.

I have a DVX100a and an HVX200 which should be here Friday. I also have a redrock m2 35mm adapter and Nikon 50mm lens.

Any opinions/advice? Should I do a 2-camera shoot in DV format, using the HVX/P2 only for special effects. Or should I forgo the DVX and shoot in HD?

What are the marketing implications of that decision?

Is it important enough for HD distribution and for HD film-out to go to the trouble of using the P2 cards and a single camera? Or is it better to just go for the DV tape and have more options in editing?

Thanks for your advice, opinions, and ideas!

Andy
 
Well.. A pilot probably won't need to be HD - you'll probably be distributing it on DVD anyway, right?
Unless HD is a key point of your pitch, SD should be plenty to pitch your idea for the show. - you can always promise HD if you manage to sell it - and then use your funds to swap out for a 2nd HVX if you need the 2nd cam.

- Mikko
 
If your show is picked up it will shoot in HD, right?

Then Shoot HD now. Don't make people guess. You want to show them exactly what they'll get if they buy.

Making them guess will make them second guess and possibly hurt your chances.

It's my opinion that you should make it look as good as possible. And as far as the image between the HVX and DVX is concerned...it's a no-brainer.

Shoot HD.
 
Hi Andy,

I really don't have an answer to your questions, but you have choices. I'm in KY, so if you need an extra DVX100a let me know - could possibly assist.

I'm not sure the type of editing software your using; but HD will cost more in post if you don't already have the hardware. But as Rook stated; presentation is the key.
 
Presentation is key, but a pilot is all about the story, characters, idea, and commercial viability .... none of which have anything to do with resolution. Sure, it will look a little better if shot on HD, but there's also more room for error such as focus (focus errors are less forgiving in HD, etc.), increased cost in post, the fact that you're only shooting one camera so you'll either have less angles (less interesting story telling work with the camera), or 2x more production time.

If you REALLY need to have a little bit in HD, then I'd go with the two DVX100a's, then have the HVX locked down in a good central shot to acquire a PORTION of the pilot ... but only a few minutes at the maximum. That way, if you wanted you could also have a short HD clip for them to see the additional look/value of the HD, but can otherwise focus on the camera work, story telling, etc. and lower up front cost of working with the DVX100a's.

My two cents.
 
I'm going to go against the grain here... I've never worked on a pilot where we shot on a lower quality medium than the inteded medium and it actually got picked up.

Here's why... whatever network you are trying to pitch to wants usable pilots. They don't want, "Hey, this is interesting, well, if we drop $200,000 we can get a real version of that". The pilot, should, in theory, be the most killer pitch - A supremely usable episode of television that the studio didn't have to pay dick for.

I agree that shooting with the HVX will be a huge pain in the ass. Think about renting the JVC. The rez. is not as high, but it is an actually usable production camera. I'm shooting two shows that have been greenlit on the JVC, and it's working wonders for us.

Food for thought.
 
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