First Commercial

Jim Brennan

Jim Brennan

VHS Member Old Skool
A buddy of mine asked me to shoot a commercial for his bar.  He has a few funny ideas, and as a writer I think I can make it work well.  My question is about the gear I'd need.  I  have an experienced lighting guy, the DVX, a good tripod, a boom and mic.  Anybody have any recommendations for other gear?  It's your basic, low-budget, local commercial, just shooting some customers in the bar.  I've only shot stuff for myself in the past, but since I have the opportunity, I was thinking of using this as a stepping stone to some paying gigs.  So I feel a little out of my element and I don't want to blow it.
 
Re: First Commercial

Not sure how healthy your funds might be, but consider a follow focus, wonderfull little device.
 
Re: First Commercial

I wish I could swing that. It just reminds me that I bought my DVX from the wrong place. A local dealer offered me the camera, plus a bunch of extras including the Chrosziel mattbox and follow focus, and Century wide angle and telephoto lenses with adapter plates, (among other things) for 5 grand. I should have gone that route, but since I didn't know what nay of the stuff was for, I didn't.
 
Re: First Commercial

Aww man, that's a sweet deal!

Ahem... I mean, that's crap. Who needs that?
 
Re: First Commercial

[quote author=Jim Brennan link=board=Links;num=1098849599;start=0#2 date=10/26/04 at 22:12:28]I wish I could swing that.  It just reminds me that I bought my DVX from the wrong place.  A local dealer offered me the camera, plus a bunch of extras including the Chrosziel mattbox and follow focus, and Century wide angle and telephoto lenses with adapter plates, (among other things) for 5 grand.  I should have gone that route, but since I didn't know what nay of the stuff was for, I didn't.[/quote]

Deal still open?

It's always nice to have a second camera, right?

Just charge $5000 for the commercial, and you're all set.  :)
 
Re: First Commercial

I assume your lighting guy has a good lighting package. Some stuff off the top of my head--slate and markers, gaffers tape, flags, field monitor (important), and I highly recommend using a makeup artist--it makes a huge difference.
 
Re: First Commercial

Thanks. I'm trying to get all that together. I'll have to rent a good monitor as I only have an LCD. The make up artist is a great idea. That will help. Now I just need to find one.
 
Re: First Commercial

Try www.mandy.com. I have an enormous respect for makeup artists and they really have the ability to transform and polish talent. You can also look for recent graduates of local film/television makeup programs--they're trying to build their books, and may work for reduced rates, although they should be paid for a commercial production. Makeup, hair, and wardrobe are all important and sometimes get forgotten on indie/low budget productions.
 
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