Film Student Reports on DVX100B

T

trustthewake

Member
I finished my first year of Film School and I just purchased a DVX100B(my first video camera ever.) I shot on 16mm this year so I dont really like video. But after taking some shots on the DVX and showing them off I realized that things that drive me crazy, the things I hate about video, seems to wash right over the untrained eye. While the "video look" just bugs the hell out of me, most people dont seem to mind. And when I show off my footage people say, "Wow, that looks like a real movie." Off course it doesnt looke like a real movie but then again my sister thought The Wedding Crashers was shot on video.
 
I just recently graduated from Emerson College in TV/Video Production. Yes, it is mostly known as a film school, but i took 80% of the same classes as film students, worked on student films, got to dabble in other areas of interest (motion graphics, computer animation, web disign) and didn't have to drop thousands of dollars on a student film. I dont regret it at all and, along with TV shows, I DO want to make movies (or even "films"). That is because of the point you made about the average person not knowing what is film and what is video.

People who aren't trained in media arts have no idea what is film and what isn't. If you throw a letterbox onto any video, people think "movie." Of course, if its projected onto a huge screen, you might be able to tell. But distrabution is changing theses days too. People enjoy watching movies on their own system at home.

So it depends on your nitch. If you only want to make movies for the big screen, then go ahead, be a film snob. BUT, keep in mind, while video technology is improving, audiences expectations and reaction to a movie aren't going to be riding on the medium in which its delivered. I made a comedy short a couple months ago with a PD 170. I didnt think it looked like anything special, especially compared to a DVX, but the people I showed were really impressed and said, "it looks like a movie."

Is there a differance between a movie and a film? I suppose. BUT, there will be a day (maybe it's already arrived) when movie is shot on video and it is accepted as a film. Afterall, we use the word film only because the first movies were made on film. "Video" seems to have a negative spin on it because anyone can walk into circut city, buy a video camera, and made a "video." But not everyone can make a movie, or at least a very good one. I will say that video can make you a lot more lazy, production wise, than film. Tape is cheap as hell... so, "who cares if you dont nail a shot... just wing it." But, if your video is just as structured and disciplined as film, the results can be very pleasing.... digitally that is. ;)

Hope I havent lost focus. Congrats on your new DVX. Learn to embrace it though. I must say, you seem like one of the "film snobs" i went to school with.... especially when you say "I shot on 16mm this year so I dont really like video." I won't hold it against you though, you do have a DVX and are posting on this board, so, I've seen worse.

~ Jim
 
I used to shoot 16mm as well, and when properly used it still looks better than the DVX. BUT now that I dont have to pay for developing/telecine, there is no going back :)
 
trustthewake said:
I finished my first year of Film School and I just purchased a DVX100B(my first video camera ever.) I shot on 16mm this year so I dont really like video. But after taking some shots on the DVX and showing them off I realized that things that drive me crazy, the things I hate about video, seems to wash right over the untrained eye. While the "video look" just bugs the hell out of me, most people dont seem to mind. And when I show off my footage people say, "Wow, that looks like a real movie." Off course it doesnt looke like a real movie but then again my sister thought The Wedding Crashers was shot on video.
Click to expand...

OK, where's the report?
 
DVX allows you to develop your directing and filmmaking technique without costing an arm and a leg for film. If you get good and proficient with a DVX, you can pop for film if you are so inclined -- good luck getting someone to exhibit your film, no matter how good it is.

I've shot several TV shows that have aired on major cable networks with DVX and nobody ever complained about the quality. In fact, they made me use the DVX because they could tell me to dial in the specific scene settings other shows in the series were using so it would look consistent.

Personally, unless you're shooting 35mm film and its being projected on a big screen, I'd rather shoot DVX or HVX.
 
I'm chuckling inside.

Yes, 16mm looks better. But if you have "video issues" with your dvx, you don't know how to use it (you're lighting for film, clearly and having contrast ratio issues.)
 
trustthewake said:
I shot on 16mm this year so I dont really like video. While the "video look" just bugs the hell out of me, most people dont seem to mind.
Click to expand...

Don’t reject digital. Learn all you can about it. It can earn you a living once you leave that dream bubble you call film school.
 
Guys, as this guy stated, he went to FILM SCHOOL.

Clearly he knows more than anyone else on the board because of this fact.

Quick! Someone make him a mod!
 
TC said:
Guys, as this guy stated, he went to FILM SCHOOL.

Clearly he knows more than anyone else on the board because of this fact.

Quick! Someone make him a mod!
Click to expand...

LOL. I watched an episode of Film School on IFC. Can I be a mod too?

Let me know.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top